[T]he A66 in Cumbria is closed in both directions between the A67 (Bowes) and the A685 (Brough) due to heavy snow.
Emergency services are dealing with multiple road traffic collisions on the A66 between Penrith and the A67.
Police were called at 4:40pm.
Blizzard conditions are causing reduced visibility.
Emergency services are dealing with a twelve-vehicle collision on Stainmore and a multi-vehicle collision near Warcop.
A spokesman for Highways England said: “Snow ploughs and gritters are en route to scene to clear the carriageway and the road will be re-opened when safe to do so.
“Diverted traffic should use alternative trans-pennine routes.
“Please allow extra time for your journey and drive to the conditions.
“If possible, delay your journey and only travel if absolutely necessary.”
Dr. Theo Weston said: “A BEEP Fund Dr. was called to a multiple RTC on the A66 near Warcop at about 16.00 on Saturday 17th March; on arrival there were approximately 6-10 vehicles including HGV’s that had collided with each other in atrocious weather conditions of ice/snow & wind, completely blocking the road.
“While treating the three/four casualties (who were all suffering relatively minor injuries) along with an NWAS paramedic, reports were coming in of another RTC further along the A66 near Stainmore Cafe.
“The BEEP Dr then drove further on to this RTC and managed to reach the scene of this second RTC using the BEEP Fund four wheel drive vehicle in deep snow and even worse weather conditions, including near white-out, driving snow, ice and temperatures well below freezing.
“There were another 10-15 vehicles involved in this RTC and thankfully only two casualties with minor injuries.
“These two were treated by the BEEP Fund Dr in their own cars until an ambulance arrived from Barnard Castle, which then transported them down to Brough to liaise with an NWAS ambulance for onward transport to the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.”
