Weather: How to stay safe driving in Storm Brendan as heavy 60mph winds batter UK

Storm Brendan has landed in the UK with winds of up to 60 miles per hour (mph) set to batter the UK over the next couple of days. The Met Office office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy winds across most of England and heavy rain along the South Coast.


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The Met Office says strong winds may cause some delays to road travel with bus services likely affected and set to take longer.

Delays are also expected for high-sided vehicles and cars travelling on exposed routes and bridges.

The stormy weather means road users could face increased risk on the road and all those travelling have been urged to take extra precautions.

Simple measures such as slowing down and keeping your distance from vehicles can dramatically reduce the risk of having an accident.

Motorists should also avoid travelling with high-risk features such as a trailer – which can get blown away in difficult weather conditions.

Road users are also urged to avoid open areas and exposed roads which will often see stronger winds than urban locations and cities.

Neil Worth, safety spokesman for GEM Motoring Assist, said: “Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide-open spaces.

“Areas for concern also include bridges, exposed stretches of road and cuttings where roads pass through hilly areas. These locations can act as funnels for wind.”

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Experts from road recovery group the AA say motorists should plan their journey carefully and check weather and traffic updates regularly to avoid being caught out.

They also warn exposed stretches of roads will be susceptible to stronger winds which could cause devastation to motorists.

Heavy storms will usually feature some sort of rain shower which is likely to increase the risk of danger even further.

Motorists have been urged by GEM Motoring Assist to double the distance between themselves and the car in front during wet weather to reduce the risk of contact.


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Mr Worth added: “Heavy rain makes driving hazardous. So please slow down and turn your lights on to ensure you can see more clearly, and so that other vehicles can see you. Do not rely on automatic headlights.

“Give other vehicles more space, and double the distance between you and the vehicle in front, so you have more time to react and stop safely if you need to.

AA experts say road users should always keep both hands on their steering wheel in heavy storms so they can correct any sudden change in direction caused by the wind.

Some extra room should also be left when passing cyclists and motorcyclists who are most vulnerable in windy weather.

Studying the road for debris can also give road users a first indication of how bad the storm could be and offers a warning sign for any upcoming road hazards.

According to the AA, twigs and branches scattered across the road could be the first sign a tree or large branch has fallen onto the road surface ahead.

Although taking precautions will likely reduce your overall risk of danger while on the roads in stormy conditions, GEM Motoring Assist suggests motorists still consider putting off their journey.

The group says non-essential journeys should be avoided in favour of public transport if conditions become even more dangerous.

Mr Worth said: “We want all road users to be aware of how risk increases when weather conditions become more challenging.

“So, if your journey is not necessary, then consider delaying it, or using public transport if available.”

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