A lorry has blown over on Severn bridge after a 'sudden spike' in the wind

A lorry has overturned after a "sudden spike" in the wind on the old M48 Severn Crossing.

Traffic cameras at the scene show the articulated lorry on its side surrounded by emergency service vehicles.

The bridge has been closed in both directions as a result of the crash.

Motorist David Evans was travelling toward Wales in the opposite direction when the lorry "toppled over" on the opposite carriageway.

"It just went, so I stopped and ran over to help the driver," said David, from Caerphilly. "I held him up until another motorist who was a doctor arrived on the scene and the emergency services.

"It looked like he has a broken nose and a cut to his head.

"The driver was totally shocked. He said 'I don't know what happened' and then was concerned that others might have been injured.

"We told him no-one else was injured and waited with him until the emergency services arrived at the scene.

"It was extremely windy on the bridge, the lorry was sheltering us but we could hardly stand up in the wind when I went to get back to my car. I had to be escorted off the bridge because the winds were over 50mph."

The lorry on its side on the carriageway (Richard Swingler)

Both carriageways are blocked as a result (Richard Swingler)

Avon and Somerset Police said they were called to the scene at 11.45am and that the driver received medical attention for a minor head injury.

It is the second time in 24 hours that a full closure of the bridge has been implemented.

The official Severn Bridges twitter account said: "The Severn Bridge is now CLOSED in both directions due to an incident with a lorry and a sudden spike in winds.

"Please use the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge."

It's not known how long the bridge will be shut for (Richard Swingler)

Gwent Police has advised motorists to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

Strong winds brought by Storm Ciara over the weekend led to the the bridge being closed in both directions on Sunday and early Monday morning.

Met Office national morning forecast for February 10 - Storm Ciara latest

The Met Office also said that "a spell of very strong winds," with gusts of 60-70mph will affect the UK on Monday.

It remained closed eastbound for most of the rush hour

A breakdown on the M4 before 7am on Monday morning led to 12-mile tailbacks between Newport and Cardiff.

Winds of 93mph were recorded in Wales over the weekend as the country was battered by the storm.

The worst of the weather has passed but it has remained very windy and unsettled throughout Monday.