NATIONAL Highways is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads and be prepared with Storm Ciarán predicted to bring strong winds and heavy rain across large parts of the South West, through tonight (Wednesday, November 1) and tomorrow. 

The Met Office has issued yellow and amber alerts for strong winds and rain, with an amber alert for strong winds in place across Devon and Cornwall through the morning of Thursday, November 2 and a yellow alert for wind and rain across the South West.

As a result, National Highways has issued a Severe Weather Alert for gales, with a significant risk to vehicles using the Strategic Road Network, particularly in the South West and southern coastal areas. 

Winds are expected to strengthen in Cornwall and Devon from tonight into Thursday morning, with gusts between 65mph and 75mph on higher ground, particularly on the A30 around Camborne and Bodmin in Cornwall, and other higher-ground areas in Devon, before moving across the south of the region and into the east, affecting counties along the English Channel throughout Thursday.

Across the remainder of the South West and parts of west Wales, wind strengths are expected to be slightly reduced, with gusts between 50mph and 60mph. 

Following the alerts, National Highways is advising motorists – particularly those driving high-sided HGVs, motor homes and motorcycles, and those towing caravans and trailers – to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys and pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds. 

Winds are expected to slowly ease during the early hours of Friday morning. Amy Shaw, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: “Driving conditions are likely to change given the Met Office forecasts around Storm Ciarán. 

“If you're using the roads slow down and give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front. 

“It is harder for tyres to grip the road and excess spray makes it harder to see ahead. 

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we would advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down and drive to the conditions. 

“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.” 

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri said: “Wind and rain warnings associated with Storm Ciarán are in force from Wednesday night onwards into Friday.

“An amber warning for winds is in place for south western parts of England and Wales in the early hours and morning of Thursday and the far south and south east of England Thursday daytime and early evening.

“Storm Ciarán is expected to bring very strong winds along southern coastal areas of England in particular where gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible, gusts perhaps exceeding 85 mph in the most exposed locations. 

Further inland, gusts could reach up to 50 or 60mph.

“As well as strong winds, this deep low pressure system will bring heavy rain to many parts of the country. The rain will fall on already saturated ground, bringing the risk of flooding.” 

National Highways has produced online guidance on its website: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/ for driving in different weather conditions in an effort to keep road users as safe as possible on its motorways and A-roads.