Surrey motorists warned ‘don’t drive unless you need to’ as county braces for Storm Éowyn
Motorists are being warned to be careful when travelling as the country deals with winds and rain from Storm Éowyn. Surrey Fire and Rescue have urged drivers to avoid unnecessary journeys.
Near 60mph winds are forecast for the county making roads more perilous. Advice to drivers includes, driving slower, keeping distance between vehicles and keeping both hands on the wheel.
A yellow warning has been issued for Friday (January 24) with the worst winds expected in the morning. Mark Nash, Duty Manager at National Highways, said: “We are expecting high winds and rain to hit most parts of the country later this week. If you're planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads. If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible.
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“We have a section of our website dedicated to travelling in storms, high winds and gales, and considerations for different types of vehicles, as part of our guide to travelling in severe weather.”
The Met Office advises keeping the acronym TRIP in mind when planning to travel:
• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash
• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue
• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread
• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions
South Western Rail has advised that there will likely be disruption to train journeys. In particular the company has warned about journeys west of Basingstoke with passengers advised to allow extra time. There will be speed restrictions on some lines.