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NLEx gridlock leaves motorists stranded for hours amid flooding

Heavy traffic and flooding have turned the North Luzon Expressway into a nightmare for commuters, with some drivers spending hours navigating the congested route over the weekend. Multiple towns in Pampanga province experienced severe inundation following days of intense rainfall.

LSN Philippines · 1 September 2026

The North Luzon Expressway ground to a near standstill over the weekend as heavy flooding and congestion left motorists trapped in vehicles for extended periods. Social media users voiced frustrations about the grueling driving conditions, with some describing the experience as feeling like an international journey due to the time consumed.

Multiple municipalities across Pampanga province, which the major expressway traverses, were severely affected by flooding from sustained heavy rainfall. The deluge created hazardous road conditions and forced authorities to manage traffic flow through the affected sections.

The extended delays highlighted the vulnerability of key transportation arteries during extreme weather events. Motorists were forced to exercise patience as authorities worked to clear routes and manage the volume of vehicles attempting to navigate the flooded sections.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in managing traffic during adverse weather conditions on major expressways serving the Metro Manila region and northern provinces. Authorities have not yet released official statements regarding measures to prevent similar disruptions in future weather events.