20/10/2004
Drivers urged to take extra care following weather warning
With heavy rain and strong winds affecting the country, particularly in western regions, drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads over the next few days.
Drivers, especially those on two wheels or in high-sided vehicles, are advised to take extra care during the windy conditions being forecast by the Met Office, and all drivers are reminded to adjust their driving to the poor conditions.
The Highways Agency, which manages, operates and improves motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England, has warned drivers to slow down, maintain their distance from the vehicle in front, check weather reports, and to test their brakes after driving through floodwater.
The warning comes after Met Office forecasters predicted several days of particularly wet and windy weather for many parts of the country as depressions sweep in from the Atlantic.
Areas most likely to see the heaviest rain are the west of England, Wales and South-west Scotland. Around 50mm of rain is likely for many areas with 100mm falling on high ground during the next few days. Strong winds will add to the problems at times, gusts of around 70mph are expected to batter exposed areas.
The Highways Agency has said that it will be working with the police to ensure that disruption from accidents and incidents is minimised and traffic kept moving.
October is often the stormiest month of the year and the forecast is living up to that reputation. Winter is still some way off however. Contrary to speculation from other sources, Autumn is still well in charge - plumes of warm air occasionally bathing much of the country over the coming days.
Information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030.
(gmcg/mb)
Drivers, especially those on two wheels or in high-sided vehicles, are advised to take extra care during the windy conditions being forecast by the Met Office, and all drivers are reminded to adjust their driving to the poor conditions.
The Highways Agency, which manages, operates and improves motorways and all-purpose trunk roads in England, has warned drivers to slow down, maintain their distance from the vehicle in front, check weather reports, and to test their brakes after driving through floodwater.
The warning comes after Met Office forecasters predicted several days of particularly wet and windy weather for many parts of the country as depressions sweep in from the Atlantic.
Areas most likely to see the heaviest rain are the west of England, Wales and South-west Scotland. Around 50mm of rain is likely for many areas with 100mm falling on high ground during the next few days. Strong winds will add to the problems at times, gusts of around 70mph are expected to batter exposed areas.
The Highways Agency has said that it will be working with the police to ensure that disruption from accidents and incidents is minimised and traffic kept moving.
October is often the stormiest month of the year and the forecast is living up to that reputation. Winter is still some way off however. Contrary to speculation from other sources, Autumn is still well in charge - plumes of warm air occasionally bathing much of the country over the coming days.
Information about roadworks and road conditions on the motorways and trunk roads in England is available from the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 504030.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 March 2004
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
Gritters readied as northern England prepares for snow
With snow forecast to affect western, central and northern England over the next few days, the Highways Agency's gritting fleet is being mobilised to treat ice and snow on motorways and other strategic roads. The Agency receives regular weather forecasts and mobilises its fleet gritting operation whenever ice or snow is predicted, it said.
24 June 2015
Drivers Warned Over Glastonbury-Bound Traffic
Drivers in England have been warned of an increase in traffic volume on motorways and major A roads between Wednesday and Friday as people make their way to Glastonbury Festival. Highways England issued the warning, ahead of this weekends event, highlighting the A303, M4 and M5 as particular roads expected to be busy.
Drivers Warned Over Glastonbury-Bound Traffic
Drivers in England have been warned of an increase in traffic volume on motorways and major A roads between Wednesday and Friday as people make their way to Glastonbury Festival. Highways England issued the warning, ahead of this weekends event, highlighting the A303, M4 and M5 as particular roads expected to be busy.
24 November 2005
Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions
With the first severe wintry weather expected to hit the UK tonight, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers to be prepared and to slow down and take care in sleet and snow. The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight.
Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions
With the first severe wintry weather expected to hit the UK tonight, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers to be prepared and to slow down and take care in sleet and snow. The Met Office is currently forecasting sleet and snow with strong winds across many parts of the UK tonight.
17 December 2004
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
Highways Agency and Met Office 'ready for winter'
Gritters and snowploughs are on standby, tested plans are in place to tackle ice and snow, and a new partnership with the Met Office will aim to provide motorists with better information as the Highways Agency prepares for winter weather.
12 November 2004
Joint effort set to create safer roads this winter
A new scheme has been set up to ensure safer roads, more reliable journeys and better informed travellers for drivers this winter.
Joint effort set to create safer roads this winter
A new scheme has been set up to ensure safer roads, more reliable journeys and better informed travellers for drivers this winter.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.