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Motorists have been warned to consider whether journeys later this week are absolutely necessary as two named storms approach the UK with the promise of dangerous winds and even blizzards.
Storm Dudley will move across the northern half of the country from Wednesday night into Thursday morning closely followed by Storm Eunice, which will bring strong winds and the possibility of snow on Friday.
National Highways head of road safety Jeremy Phillips said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.
“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.”
Mr Phillips added: “In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow signed diversion routes.”
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for Wednesday evening for strong winds, covering southern Scotland, northern England and part of Northern Ireland, with a wider area covered by a yellow warning.
Yellow warnings are in place for Thursday and Friday covering a wide area.
Storm Eunice is expected to bring heavy rain and possible snowfalls on high ground from the Midlands northwards, the Met Office said.
It said that, where snow does fall, the high winds are likely to create blizzard conditions.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “An active jet stream is driving low-pressure systems across the country, both of which are likely to cause some disruption and National Severe Weather Warnings have been issued.”
Storm Dudley is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 80mph-90mph on exposed coasts and hills of Scotland, with 60mph-70mph possible further inland.
Winds are expected to ease through Thursday afternoon and evening, forecasters said.
Storm Eunice will track across central areas of the UK on Friday with further very strong winds expected, with 60mph–70mph gusts possible inland, perhaps even stronger in some places.
The Met office has said that pin-pointing the strongest winds and worst-affected areas is uncertain at the moment.
RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The strength of the wind brought about by Storm Dudley will make driving conditions extremely difficult for drivers in the north of the UK, so we urge people to delay their journeys until the storm passes if at all possible.
“Anyone who does set out should stick to major roads if they can, reduce their speed while driving and have a firm grip of the steering wheel at all times but especially when overtaking high-sided vehicles.
“We also recommend parking away from trees as the storm may well cause some to fall.”
Mr Dennis said: “It’s vital drivers plan ahead and keep tuned to weather forecasts over the next few days to understand where is likely to see the greatest disruption from the weather.”
Electricity supply firms have also issued warnings following the widespread outages in northern England and Scotland which followed storms earlier this year.