Amber wind alert in place across the North West

M62 Motorway

Road users in the North West are being advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they travel today (Wednesday 28 December) as gale force winds are expected in places.

The Highways Agency has issued an Amber Alert for high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes, whose drivers and riders are advised to take extra care when travelling due to the increased risk of vehicles being blown over. They are also advised to avoid exposed stretches of road if at all possible.

Met Office information suggests wind speeds picking up between 11.00am and midnight today with the potential for westerly gales of up to 65mph - particularly affecting exposed north to south sections of the strategic roads network in North Yorkshire, the North East, north Lancashire and Cumbria.

Locations likely to be affected by gusts in the North West include:

• M6 J20-J21 Thelwall Viaduct
• M6 J36-J44 through Cumbria
• M62 J18 - J27 Between Manchester and Leeds
• M61 J9/M65 J1 Interchange
• A66 between M6 J40 – A1(M) J60
• M6 Carlisle to Moss Band Viaduct
• A69 – all of it

Road users are advised to plan their journeys before setting out, checking the forecast, road conditions and leaving extra time if travel conditions are poor or to delay their journeys if the weather becomes severe.