Drivers are being warned to be prepared for strong gales in the North East and Yorkshire areas today, Monday 1 February 2016.
Highways England has issued an amber weather alert for motorways and major A roads in the North East and Yorkshire areas, with gusts expected to reach 70mph.
Drivers across the region are being urged to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys today in particular those using exposed locations on the A66 over the Pennines and high spots of the A69. High winds are forecast until 4am tomorrow.
Andrew Charnick, emergency planning manager at Highways England said:
We issue severe weather alerts when there is a significant risk to vehicles using motorways and major A roads. The amber status means drivers should be prepared before setting out on journeys.
There’s a particular risk to lorries and other vulnerable vehicles, such as caravans and motorbikes, so we’re asking drivers to slow down and to avoid using exposed sections of motorways and other route if possible.
Highways England in partnership with the Met Office is strongly advising that high sided vehicles and other vulnerable vehicles avoid the following areas if at all possible:
- M1 junction 39 to 40 – Crigglestone to Dewsbury
- A628 – Woodhead Pass
- M62 junction 23 to 25 – Huddersfield to Brighouse
- M62 junction 31 to 32 – Normanton to Pontefract
- M62 junction 35a to 36 – Rawcliffe Bridge, M18 Interchange to junction 36 Goole
- M62 junction 36 to 37 – River Ouse/Ouse Bridge
- A1(M) junction 47 to 49 – between A59 Knaresborough and A168 Dishforth
- A1(M) junction 58 to 65 – between A1 and Washington at junction 65
- A66 – between M6 junction 40 to A1 (Scotch Corner)
- A19 – Hylton Bridge over River Wear
- A19 Tees Viaduct
- A19 Leven Viaduct
- A69 – all of it
- Humber Bridge
Mr Charnick added:
We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys.
We will have extra traffic officers and recovery vehicles to help respond to any incidents.
Road users are being advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting the web page or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
