By Michael, Senior Reporter
Monday, January 5, 2026
🔴 LIVE WEATHER UPDATES
Last updated: 08:12 GMT
- 08:10 – Greater Manchester Police reiterate advice for motorists to avoid unnecessary journeys this morning due to icy conditions on untreated roads.
- 07:55 – TfGM confirms ongoing delays on Metrolink’s Bury and Rochdale via Oldham lines due to ice forming on overhead cables.
- 07:40 – Additional school closures confirmed in Oldham and Rochdale, particularly in Saddleworth villages.
- 07:15 – National Highways reports hazardous conditions on the M62 near Junctions 21 and 22, with gritters operating under traffic management.
Commuters across Greater Manchester are facing a difficult start to the week as snow, widespread ice and freezing temperatures create hazardous conditions on roads and public transport.
The impact of the weather today was felt early, with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) issuing travel warnings before 6am. Residents in boroughs including Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside woke to snow settling on higher ground, while the city centre remained slushy but increasingly icy.
Police are urging motorists to travel only if absolutely necessary, warning that conditions on untreated roads are deteriorating rapidly.
Morning travel disruption on M62 and trans-Pennine routes
The most serious problems this morning are on higher routes crossing the Pennines, which traditionally bear the brunt of winter weather in the region.
National Highways confirmed shortly after 5.30am that the A628 Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions between Tintwistle and Flouch due to snow and drifting. The A57 Snake Pass was also closed, with Derbyshire Police reporting vehicles becoming stranded near the summit.
Conditions on the M62 are also challenging. Around Junction 21 (Milnrow) and Junction 22 (Rishworth Moor), traffic is moving slowly, with lane closures in place eastbound to allow gritters through. GMP traffic officers are attending multiple incidents involving vehicles losing control on icy slip roads.
A GMP Traffic spokesperson said:
“We are seeing a high number of collisions this morning due to drivers not adapting to the conditions. Please fully clear your windscreen, reduce speed and leave extra distance. If you don’t need to travel, stay at home.”
Local roads in Bolton, Bury and Wigan are also struggling, particularly residential streets that have not been treated overnight.
Bus services and local road conditions
Bus operators have warned of widespread delays, especially on routes serving hillier estates. In Bolton, services including the 471 and 501 have been diverted away from roads described as impassable.
Stagecoach and First Manchester advised passengers to check live apps before travelling, with some services running up to 45 minutes late. Operators said conditions vary significantly between routes due to the weather today, making disruption difficult to predict.
School closures across Oldham and Rochdale
Parents across Greater Manchester are waking up to a wave of closure alerts as headteachers assess site safety.
Dozens of primary and secondary schools in Oldham and Rochdale have confirmed they will remain closed today, particularly those located on higher ground. Schools in Saddleworth, including Uppermill and Delph, were among the first to announce closures, followed by sites in Shaw and Milnrow.
In Trafford and Stockport, most schools remain open, though several have delayed start times until 10am to allow safer travel for staff.
Parents are advised to check individual school websites and council channels for the latest updates, as decisions continue to be influenced by the weather today.
Metrolink and rail disruption
Public transport has also been affected by freezing temperatures overnight.
Transport for Greater Manchester confirmed significant delays on Metrolink’s Bury and Rochdale via Oldham lines, where ice has formed on overhead power cables. Despite overnight use of ice-breaker trams, freezing conditions caused ice to reform quickly.
Commuters at Victoria station reported waits of more than 20 minutes for services during the early peak.
Rail passengers are also experiencing disruption. Northern Rail has reported points failures between Manchester Victoria and Leeds, particularly around Rochdale, while knock-on delays are affecting services through Salford Crescent.
Council gritting response overnight
Local authorities say gritting teams have been working throughout the night to keep priority routes open.
Manchester City Council confirmed its fleet completed treatment of all Priority 1 routes shortly after 2am and is now focusing on secondary roads. Salford and Wigan councils said crews are prioritising routes near hospitals, transport hubs and care facilities.
Officials warned that grit becomes less effective at temperatures below -3°C, which have been recorded in parts of the region this morning. As a result, icy patches are likely to persist despite treatment.
ice risk continues into evening commute
According to the Met Office, wintry showers will gradually ease through the day, but temperatures are expected to remain close to freezing.
The main concern linked to the weather today is the evening commute. Any slush left on roads is expected to refreeze quickly after sunset, increasing the risk of black ice. A Yellow Weather Warning for ice remains in place until Tuesday morning.
Safety advice for residents
Emergency services have issued the following advice:
- Check routes before travelling using official transport updates
- Prepare vehicles with warm clothing, a phone charger and de-icer
- Take care on pavements, especially on untreated residential streets
- Check on vulnerable neighbours who may struggle to leave home
Authorities stress that patience and caution are essential while conditions remain cold. We will continue to update this page with the latest developments as the weather today unfolds across Greater Manchester.