Amber warning by Highways Agency ahead of gale force winds

Locations in Yorkshire and the North East which are potentially affected by gusts overnight tonight and throughout tomorrow morning include the M62 between junction 23 and junction 25 at Brighouse.

High winds, including westerly cross winds affecting north to south routes are forecast between 11pm tonight and noon tomorrow (Friday January 9).

The Highways Agency has 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.

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.