Drivers are being reminded to stay off the roads unless their journey is essential as Storm Eunice hits the UK.
The Met Office has issued rare Red Weather Warnings as Storm Eunice is expected to bring extremely strong winds and continued disruption for much of the UK today.
The Red Weather Warnings for wind took effect from early Friday morning for some coastal areas towards the south west, including south Wales, before a separate Red Warning came into force for much of the south and south east with similar damaging gusts and disruption expected.
The Met Office is warning that wind gusts in the most exposed coastal areas could be in excess of 90mph, which would “bring significant impacts for many and represent a danger to life”.
National Highways is also warning that Storm Eunice is expected to create severe driving conditions across much of England and a significant risk to vehicles in the south west, where it’s issued its own Red Alert for gales in addition to the Met Office’s warning.
And while Storm Eunice’s strongest winds will be in the south, there’s an amber warning for wind in the north and a yellow warning for snow. This comes soon after the impact of Storm Dudley, which saw strong winds disrupt travel in large sections of the north.
Head of road safety Jeremy Phillips said: “For those who do travel, we’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
The RAC said that early indications were that most people have been taking the weather warnings seriously and not setting out.
Director of central operations Matt Dallaway said: “The fact many roads are so clear is a sign that today is not a safe day to be driving. Breakdown volumes are currently far lower than we’d expect for a half-term Friday, although the types of jobs our patrols are going to are very different – fewer battery-related problems and an increase in people being caught out by flash floods and snow in the north.
“We continue to urge drivers not to set out unless they absolutely have to. Just because the wind might not be that strong now, doesn’t mean it won’t be soon. As the storm moves east and inland, the risk of disruption from floods, falling trees and flying debris will increase making conditions extremely hazardous. For anyone that does need to drive, it’s vital to be vigilant, and to slow down and leave extra space behind the vehicle in front and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
“Our patrols are working incredibly hard today in very difficult conditions to rescue our members safely.”
