South West Extreme Weather Warning for Wednesday Evening

Road users across the

South West are being advised to check the weather forecast and road

conditions before they travel this evening (Wednesday 25 August) as

high winds and heavy rain are being forecast for the region.

The

Met Office has issued an advisory warning that outbreaks of heavy rain

are expected in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset with total

accumulations of up to 30mm possible in some places.

An early warning has also been issued about high winds in Devon and Cornwall with gusts of up to 40mph expected.

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.

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.

Drivers are reminded that rain and spray can

reduce visibility and when the road is wet it can take up to twice as

long to stop so it makes sense to slow down when it’s raining. Surface

water may affect motorways and major A roads where heavy rainfall

occurs.  Drivers are advised to move slowly through any standing water

and test their brakes once they're through before continuing to drive.

Drivers

of high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes are advised to take

extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being

blown over. The strongest winds are expected to occur along exposed

stretches of road, including bridges, viaducts and other elevated

sections. Areas close to the coast are particularly vulnerable to

strong gusts.

The Highways Agency offers a number of services to

help people make decisions about their journeys. 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.

Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.