Met Office warns of driving danger as UK yellow weather alert looms

With impending high winds expected to hit the Westcountry this weekend, the Met Office has issued driving in severe weather advice to motorists.

During the festive period, the regions roads are expected to be busier than ever and Britain’s changeable weather is known for also causing havoc across the road network.

Forecasters have issued a wind warning, which covers Devon and the Westcountry, and is in place tomorrow, Sunday, December 22, from 12am until 9pm. The Exeter-based forecaster is expecting wind speeds to hit 70mph in coastal areas.

There are warning of possible travel disruption as well as potential power cuts.

The Met Office has now warned motorists of the dangers of driving in storms, rain and high winds. It advises to check the weather forecast and plan ahead before setting off on any journey.

It has shared the following advice provided by experts at National Highways, RAC, and the Institute of Advanced Motorists:

Choices and planning ahead

• Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen. A good rule of thumb is ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’
• If heavy downpours are expected, avoid starting your journey until it clears
• If you can, choose main roads, where you are less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris and flooding
• Use dipped headlights if visibility is seriously reduced
• Gusts of wind can unsettle vehicles – grip your steering wheel firmly with both hands. This is particularly important when planning to overtake
• Keep an eye out for gaps between trees, buildings or bridges over a river or railway – these are some of the places you are more likely to be exposed to side winds. Ensure that you maintain enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways
• Roads will be more slippery than usual in wet weather – be sure to give yourself more time to react when approaching a hazard. Increase your following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front
• Keep your eyes peeled on the road at all times as spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce your visibility. Remember it affects others too, so anticipate their actions and be prepared.

What to do when the road is flooded

If the road is flooded, turn around and find another route. The number one cause of death during flooding is driving through flood water, so the safest advice is turn around, don’t drown.

The public are advised to stay away from swollen rivers and not to walk or drive through flood water. Although the water may seem shallow, just 12 inches (30cm) of moving water can float your car, potentially taking it to deeper water from which you may need rescuing.

Flood water also contains hidden hazards which can damage your car, and just an egg-cupful of water sucked into your car’s engine will lead to severe damage.

Never drive through flood water. Turn around.

You can sign up for free flood warnings for your area here.

Keep an eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians

Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.

Flood water advice for pedestrians

• Avoid walking through floodwater, even shallow moving water can knock you off your feet.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water – it contains hidden dangers such as heavy debris, sharp objects, open manhole covers, sewage and chemicals.

Driving in mist and fog

When should you use headlights in fog?

According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced – generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres.

Advice for how to drive in mist and fog (from RAC)

• When there’s fog around, make sure you’re familiar with how to operate your front and rear fog lights.
• If your car has automatic lights, remember to check the lights are on, as they may not be automatically activated in foggy conditions. However, do not use full beam lights, because the fog reflects the light back, reducing visibility even further.
• Follow the ‘two-second rule’ to leave sufficient space between you and the car in front.
• If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic. If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue.
• If your car is fitted with air conditioning, use it, as it will stop the windows from misting up. Ensure the heater is set to windscreen de-misting and open all the vents.
• If the fog is so severe that you’re struggling to see other vehicles, switch on your fog lights.

Read more about travelling in fog.

Driving in snow and ice

Always adjust your driving according to the conditions and plan your journey by checking the latest weather forecast. You can also look for clues on road conditions such as ice on the pavement or on your windscreen before you start your journey and take extra care.

National Highways and the governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland look after motorways and major A roads, and local authorities look after all the other roads, working as hard as they can to keep their networks clear during severe weather.

Change your route if possible for better conditions

• Stick to the main roads where you can. You should drive with care and respect the road conditions wherever you drive, but if you cannot avoid driving on a minor road, take extra care
• Only travel if really necessary. Snow ploughs are unable to get through if the road or motorway is full of stationary traffic, so do not make journeys unless completely necessary to give National Highways and local authorities the space they need to help you on your journey
• Avoid steep hills and exposed roads hills and exposed areas are likely to present more challenging driving conditions in snow and ice

Make necessary preparations before you set off

• Clear your windscreen of snow, frost or condensation. The Highway Code stipulates you must be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle
• Clear any snow off the roof of the vehicle before you drive away, otherwise you may cause snow to fall on your windscreen hampering your vision. Read about the dangers of driving with snow on your car from RAC

Useful tips for driving in snow

1. Accelerate gently, using low revs. You may need to take off in second gear to avoid skidding
2. You may need 10 times the normal gap between your car and the car in front
3. Try not to brake suddenly – it may lock up your wheels and you could skid further
4. Be extra cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible
5. Read more tips from RAC about driving in snow.

Be aware

Look out for winter service vehicles spreading salt or using snow ploughs. They have flashing amber beacons and travel at slower speeds – around 40 mph. Stay well back because salt or spray can be thrown across the road. Do not overtake unless it is safe to do so – there may be uncleared snow on the road ahead.