Snow closes Woodhead and Snake Pass but M62 and M56 clear after 'severe weather alert'

Two major cross-Pennine routes remain closed due to snow this morning.

But traffic appears to be running smoothly on the region's motorway network, despite the overnight freeze. And there are no reported issues on the Metrolink.

Both Woodhead Pass and Snake Pass between Manchester and Sheffield are closed to traffic. It comes after around 20cm of snow fell on higher ground overnight and temperatures plummeted to 0C.

READ MORE: UK snow LIVE: Snow falls across Greater Manchester with major roads CLOSED amid 'significant risk' warning

Earlier National Highways issued an amber 'severe weather alert' for snow across Greater Manchester and the North West. The affected roads included the M62 between Milnrow and Huddersfield and M56 near Manchester Airport.

Drivers were warned of a 'significant risk to vehicles' and likely delays. But at the time of writing there are no reported problems on either motorway, with traffic cameras in the areas covered by the alert showing largely clear roads.

Manchester Airport is also running as normally this morning despite a downfall of what was described as 'light, wet snow overnight'. In a statement bosses urged passengers to allow extra time for the journey to the airport.