Severe weather warning issued by Met Office

The Met Office and The Highways Agency have issued a severe weather alert for gales from 8am on Wednesday, December 10 until 9am on Thursday, December 11.

Gusts of over 50mph are expected along the coast and over the Pennines from sunrise on Wednesday, with winds strengthening throughout the morning up to 70mph.

Hail, sleet and snow showers are also forecast, especially over the higher Pennine routes, where drivers can expect blizzard conditions. Visibility will be significantly reduced during the showers and also from the spray.

Andrew Olive, winter services manager at the Highways Agency, said: “We’re expecting high winds across the region from Wednesday morning so we’re urging motorists to allow extra time for their journeys and to drive at appropriate speeds.

“If your journey isn’t essential then it may be better to travel at a different time, especially if you’re driving a lorry, caravan or motorbike as these vehicles are particularly vulnerable in high winds.

“Drivers should also check fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres before setting off to make sure their vehicles are as safe as possible.”

There is a particularly high risk that high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes could be blown over in the strong winds.

Drivers of these kinds of vehicles are strongly advised to avoid the M6 Junction 36 Kirkby Lonsdale to Junction 45 Gretna.

Road users should check their journeys before they travel by listening to traffic bulletins on the radio, visiting www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

Winter driving advice and information is available at www.metoffice.gov.uk/winterhighways, alongside weather information and traffic updates.

Regular winter updates will also be available via the Agency’s winter social media channels, www.facebook.com/winterhighways and https://twitter.com/winterhighways.