National Highways said high winds make the crossing potentially dangerous
Olivier Vergnault Senior Reporter
20:29, 14 Sep 2025
An empty Severn Bridge, closed by National Highways because of strong wind and bad weather (Image: National Highways )
One of the major routes between England and Wales has been shut to all traffic because of high winds.
National Highways has confirmed that the M48 Severn Bridge is shut in both directions as bad weather conditions continue.
The Exeter-based Met Office has a yellow warning for wind in place for most of England including the South West region for most of today (Sunday September 14) and tomorrow (Monday September 15).
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The forecaster said strong west or southwesterly winds will arrive across coastal areas of southwest England and Wales during Sunday evening, then develop more widely inland during Monday morning.
The Met Office said gusts of 45mph to 55mph are expected widely inland, with gusts of 60mph to 70 mph possible at times along exposed coasts and hills.
Winds are expected to slowly ease from the west later in the afternoon and into Monday evening.
As a result of the wind warning, National Highways said it had taken the decision to shut the Severn Bridge and M48 between J2 and the A466 Wye Valley Link Road at Chepstow and J1 A403 at Aust.
As a result there are now diversions in place via the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge.
Weather has also affected the M5 Avonmouth Spur in both directions as the route between the A4 Portway roundabout and junction 18 for the M49 is partially blocked due to flooding after earlier heavy rain.
The forecast has seen the cancellation of a Giffords Circus show in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and the closure of Longleat Safari and Adventure Park on Monday.
West Country forecast from Met Office
This Evening and Tonight: Residual rain quickly clearing eastwards through this evening, with clear spells and scattered heavy, blustery showers following overnight. Remaining windy with gales in places and some particularly strong winds in coastal and upland regions. Much milder than last night. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
Monday: A very windy day with strong westerly winds and gales at times. Occasional brief heavy showers but also plenty of dry weather with sunny periods. Feeling cool in the wind. Maximum temperature 17 °C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Drier and much less windy on Tuesday, but further wet and windy weather overnight. Often cloudy and damp on Wednesday and Thursday with strong winds at times. Temperatures around average.