Amber alert issued for motorists as Storm Aileen hits UK

Credit: Highways England

Drivers are being urged to take extra care on motorways and major A roads this week during Storm Aileen.

Highways England has issued an amber ‘be aware’ alert across the country in response to a Met Office forecast of strong winds and heavy rain, from 9pm, Tuesday 12 September until 9am tomorrow.

Gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour are expected.

Drivers of lorries, caravans and motorbikes are being advised to avoid 53 exposed sections of the road network, including:

  • A30 / A38 - Bodmin

  • M4 J22-J23 - Severn Crossing

  • M48 J1-J2 - Severn Crossing

  • M49 - M4 J22 (at Severn crossing) to M5 J18 (at Avonmouth)

  • M5 J13-J15 - Stroud to M4

  • M5 J18-J19 - Avonmouth Bridge

  • M5 J20-J23 - Clevedon to Bridgwater

It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road than on a dry road due to the fact that tyres have less grip on the surface.

In wet weather, drivers are advised 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, increasing the 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