Motorists have been warned of severe disruption this morning after several major bridges have closed due to strong winds, causing closures and restrictions.
The M48 Severn Bridge has been shut in both directions due to powerful winds brought by Storm Bram, which has now prompted authorities to act.
Meanwhile, the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge is operating with just a single lane open in each direction after two of three lanes were closed for urgent lamp column repairs.
Traffic is currently being diverted onto the already restricted M4 crossing, creating significant congestion for commuters.
Delays of up to 90 minutes are being reported on approaches to the Prince of Wales Bridge in both directions.
National Highways has indicated that lane restrictions will remain throughout the day and could extend beyond the evening rush hour.
The authority has now urged motorists to consider alternative routes, with the M5 and M50 suggested as options for those heading to Wales.
"We expect closures to be in place, possibly until after Tuesday evening's rush hour. We thank drivers for their patience whilst we carry out this vital safety work," National Highways stated.
Drivers have been warned of roughly 90-minute delays this morning
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The South West Regional Operations Centre is monitoring wind conditions and will reopen the M48 once gusts subside to safe levels.
An emergency inspection of the lamp posts on the Prince of Wales Bridge revealed what National Highways described as "an immediate safety risk", prompting the urgent closure of two lanes.
The older M48 Severn Bridge lacks the wind barriers fitted to the newer M4 crossing, making it more vulnerable during stormy weather. National Highways closes the structure when gusts exceed 40 knots, equivalent to 46mph.
But when winds reach 70 knots or 80mph, both bridges can be shut entirely, forcing traffic onto a lengthy diversion via the M5, M50, A40 and A449.
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Drivers have been urged to use the M5 and M50 to head into Wales
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The Severn Estuary is known for funnelling strong gusts across both crossings. Commuters vented their anger on social media as the dual disruption caused chaos during the morning rush hour.
One driver reported that a journey from Newport, which normally takes 40 minutes, had stretched to nearly four hours. Another motorist wrote that, despite allowing extra time, covering just four miles had taken three hours.
The bridges will remain closed for most of the day
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Several users questioned why lane closures for repairs had been scheduled when forecasters had predicted Storm Bram's arrival for days.
"You knew this storm was coming for the past week," one frustrated driver posted, criticising the decision to reduce capacity on the M4 when the M48 was likely to close.