Met Office issues weather warnings for Cumbria as Storm Aileen threatens winds of up to 75mph

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind between 8pm tonight (September 12) and 10am on Wednesday (September 13).

Gusts of 50-60mph on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning are anticipated. 

The worst of the winds, with gusts to 65-75 mph, are expected to be across North Wales, southern parts of Northern England, the North Midlands and Norfolk. 

The yellow weather warning for wind applies in South Cumbria and North Lancashire and The Met Office has warned that longer journey times by road, rail and air are likely, with restrictions on roads and bridges.

There is also a chance of power cuts, and damage to trees and perhaps buildings. Along windward-facing coasts, some wave overtopping is possible.

A yellow weather warning has also been issued for rain. Between 5pm tonight and 8am tomorrow, heavy rain is expected across the whole of Cumbria and North Lancashire

This may cause flooding on the transport network, with spray and difficult driving conditions due to the combination of rain and wind.

The Met Office has warned that there is also a small chance of flooding affecting homes and businesses.

And Highways England Drivers has urged drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads overnight and tomorrow morning during the storm.

Highways England has issued an amber ‘be aware’ alert across the country in response to the Met Office forecast.

Richard Leonard, head of Road User Safety at Highways England, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys, with strong winds and heavy rain expected from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning.

“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.”

It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road because tyres have less grip on the surface.

In wet weather you should:

• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen

• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead

• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road

Drivers are being advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates.

Further information can be found by visiting the www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.