Adverse Weather Conditions Warning

UK motorists need to be aware of the most recent severe weather warnings from the Met Office and other news media. If you want to maintain your No Claims Bonus and get through this winter unscathed and accident free then take note.

The New Year will begin with raging storms and ferocious gales, weather experts have predicted. Freezing temperatures are set to continue as 2006 draws to a close. But on January 1, 2007, the heavens will open and the UK will be deluged and battered by howling winds.

The Met Office says Christmas will see crisp, dry weather. Forecaster Jonathan Powell, of Positive Weather Solutions, said: "Then the storms will arrive. "They will deliver widespread disruption with gales having the potential to cause structural damage. "We will see particularly violent winds." He predicted flooding in some areas, although temperatures will be unusually mild, around 12-14C.

13 December 2006
Drivers have been warned of severe weather in the north-west and northern England. The Highways Agency reports that gusting winds in excess of 60mph are expected to make driving conditions difficult in parts of northern England today. Heavy rain is also expected to take its toll, affecting certain areas of north-west England with gusting winds of between 50 and 60mph.

The north-west will also see the strongest winds in the country, possibly exceeding 60mph during the evening and afternoon. This could affect rush hour driving conditions and possibly influence roads further south, says the Agency.

Drivers are hence advised to be extra cautious on the roads, with the severe weather likely to affect northern areas all day and extending into the evening. Roads on higher ground are likely to be worst-affected.

Motorists are also advised to use their headlights, keep well back from vehicles in front and more than double stopping distances due to reduced visibility caused by rain and spray.

The Agency has furthermore called on drivers to ease off the accelerator when slowing down and to do this gradually, since wet roads can reduce tyre grip and make steering unresponsive.

Motorists keen to check up on up-to-date information on road conditions can do so on at the Highways Agency web site or alternatively call 08457 504030.