Big backups, police say to avoid the area.

Update 4:57pm: The accidents have been cleared and all lanes are reopened, expect residual delays

Update 4:25pm: Video from NewsChannel 13 shows one of the vehicles involved went into the guardrail

Update 4:21pm: Although 3 lanes are now open, backups have been reported up to Exit 4. 

Update 4:16pm: 3 lanes have reopened, both the right and left shoulders/lanes remain closed. 

Two separate crashes have four lanes of the Northway closed on the southbound side near Exit 1. NewsChannel 13 reports both accidents happened around 2:45. One involved four cars, the other involved 3 cars and a tractor trailer. Only one minor injury was reported. 

Only one of five lanes is open, police and DOT officials are asking drivers to find an alternate route as they try and clear the scene.