THE HIGHWAYS Agency is advising road users to be cautious as strong winds and heavy rain are forecast across much of England from Monday morning though to late Tuesday morning.
The Agency has issued an amber alert, warning drivers in the East, South East and South West that heavy rain and high winds are forecast.
Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.
Met Office forecasters based in the Agency’s National Traffic Operations Centre in Birmingham are predicting currently that the strongest winds look to be across the South through tomorrow with southern coastal routes particularly affected.
Gusts of up to 60 mph are likely south of the M4 across to Suffolk with 70mph gusts likely on routes close to the coast. The public should be aware of the potential for significant disruption to travel due to the very strong winds and also the risk of some flooding.
John McTaggart, head of on-road services at the Highways Agency said:
“We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor conditions ahead of tomorrow. Road users are urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.
“Be aware of sudden gusts of wind, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, motorbikes and bicycles plenty of space. In the event of persistent high winds we may need to close certain bridges to traffic for a period, so please be alert for warnings of closures and follow the clearly signed diversion routes. “
Currently, the Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, is advising drivers of high-sided or other vehicles vulnerable to high winds, should avoid the following roads if possible during the weather alert:
East
A14 Orwell Bridge, near Ipswich – main risk period from 1300 Monday
A282 QE2 Bridge/Dartford Bridge – main risk period from 1200 Monday
South East
Gusts of up to 70mph possible from 1200 Monday to 0400 Tuesday in the following locations:
M27 junction 8 to 9, Hedge Head to Locks Heath
A27 Shoreham Flyover, near to Hove/Brighton
A2 Jubilee Way close to Dover
M2 junction 2 to 3
A249 Kings Ferry/Sheppy Crossing
A282 QE2 Bridge/Dartford Bridge
