Highways Agency advice to road users as high winds are forecast in Yorkshire and the North East
Road users across Yorkshire and the North East – in particular those using routes around the coast, over the Pennines and in Northumberland - are being urged to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys tonight (Thursday 8 January) and throughout tomorrow morning with a Met Office forecast of gale-force winds for the region.
High winds, including westerly cross winds affecting north to south routes like the A1 and A19, are forecast for between 11pm tonight and noon tomorrow (Friday 9 January). Wind speeds of between 60mph and 70mph are possible.
Gale-force winds are also possible tomorrow night and into Saturday (10 January).
The Highways Agency has today issued its first amber alert for the new year for tonight and tomorrow morning’s weather – with drivers of high-sided vehicles and other vulnerable vehicles such as caravans and motorcycles being urged to avoid using exposed sections of motorways and other routes across the north.
The Highways Agency, which operates and maintains motorways and major A roads in England, is working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.
Locations in Yorkshire and the North East which are potentially affected by gusts overnight tonight and throughout tomorrow morning include:
- M1 J39-J40 - Crigglestone to Dewsbury
- A628 - Woodhead Pass
- M62 J23-J25 - Huddersfield to Brighouse
- M62 J31-J32 - Normanton to Pontefract
- M62 J35a-J36 - Rawcliffe Bridge, M18 interchange to J36 Goole
- M62 J36-J37 - River Ouse / Ouse Bridge
- A1(M) J47-J49 - Between A59 Knaresborough and A168 Dishforth
- A1(M) J58-J65 - Between A1 and Washington at J65
- A1 - Northumberland
- A66 - Between M6 J40 - A1 (Scotch Corner)
- A19 - Hylton Bridge over River Wear
- A19 - Tees Viaduct
- A19 - Leven Viaduct
- A69 - All of it
- Humber Bridge
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys before they set out, checking the forecast and road conditions, to leave extra time for their journeys if travel conditions are poor, and to delay their journey if the weather becomes severe.
Road users should heed messages on the overhead signs and listen for radio updates. Up-to-date information on road conditions on England’s motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.
Driving in windy weather information sheet.
Winter driving advice on the web.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.