With the Met Office warning
that wet and windy weather is set to continue for parts of the
UK, The AA is reminding drivers of its advice for driving in poor
weather.
After a wet February so far, further rain has been forecast for
Thursday which, according to the Met Office, will be accompanied
by gusty winds for some. The yellow weather warning, issued today
(21/02), covers much of southern, central, and eastern England.
These conditions could cause travel disruption and power cuts.
Most places within the warning areas are likely to see upwards of
10mm of rain, which is falling on already saturated ground,
bringing a higher chance of flooding.
Winds could reach 60-70 mph on exposed coasts. Inland there could
be gusts of around 50mph with the chance of thunder.
Chris Wood, AA Patrol of the Year, says: “In the
worst areas affected by flooding drivers should consider whether
they really need to make that journey. If you need to travel,
check the travel news before you set off and take particular care
where roads dip, for example under railway bridges, which are
more likely to flood. If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance
it – flood water can be deceptively deep so turn around and find
another route.”
“Driving conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy
rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing
water causing problems such as surface spray, reduced visibility
and potentially leading to flooding. Just 60cm of standing water
will float your car and 30cm of flowing water could be enough to
move your car.”
“If you’re driving in high winds keep both hands on the steering
wheel and reduce your speed. In winds above 45 mph we’d recommend
not travelling at all.”
