Drivers warned to take extra care in thundery showers

Road users across England are being warned to take extra care during heavy, thundery showers expected this weekend.
Traffic alertTraffic alert
Traffic alert

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for rain, starting tonight (Friday July 18) and continuing through Saturday (July 19), warning of torrential downpours and a risk of localised flooding.

According to the forecast, the showers will begin in the south of the country overnight on Friday and move northward throughout Saturday. The showers are expected to be localised and short, but torrential and thundery, and are possible across much of England over the weekend. It is possible that some of the showers will be heavy enough to cause temporary, localised flooding on some roads.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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 keep journeys safe and reliable.

Simon Sheldon-Wilson, Director of Traffic Management at the Highways Agency, said: “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 and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front. It’s also a good idea to check the latest conditions before setting out on a journey – it only takes a minute and can save you a lot of time if there is an incident on your route.”

Highways Agency Traffic Officers across England will be monitoring weather and traffic conditions around the clock and will be on hand to quickly respond to incidents, while colleagues in regional control centres will be monitoring CCTV cameras, answering emergency telephone calls and setting advisory signs for drivers to warn of spray and other road conditions.