Press release

Highways Agency advises road users to be vigilant as severe weather forecast

The Highways Agency is warning road users to be vigilant and to drive with extra care due to high winds and severe weather conditions forecast for this week.

The Agency has issued an amber alert to warn drivers of high winds of up to 70 mph in the South East and South West regions from 6pm tomorrow until 6am on Thursday morning.

Gusts are expected to reach 55-65 mph inland in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and South Eastern parts of the M25 .Coastal routes, bridges and exposed routes over high ground could see gusts up to 75 mph. The amber alert may also be extended to the North East, North West and Midlands region.

This afternoon all regions will experience wintry showers and sleet, with the risk of hail and snow in high grounds overnight.

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.

Live traffic information updates are available on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic and the latest weather forecasts can be found at www.metoffice.gov.uk.

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.

Published 13 January 2015