Drivers urged to take extra care during Storm Aileen

Highway England are urging drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads during Storm Aileen.

It is the first named storm of the year, set to bring winds of up 75mph to parts of Cumbria and the Borders.

Highways England have issued an amber 'be aware' alert following the Met Office forecast of strong winds and heavy rain.

Storm Aileen is expected to hit tonight, Tuesday 12 September, at 8pm until Wednesday morning, 13 September at 10am.

Drivers of lorries, caravans and motorbikes are being advised not to drive on exposed roads, including the M6 from junction 36 to 45.

The Met office has also issued a yellow rain warning between 5pm tonight and 8am on Wednesday morning.

The combination of rain and wind are expected to create difficult driving conditions.

Highways England are advising drivers to:

• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen

• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead

• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road