Storm Dave high winds cause road closure as drivers warned over gales | UK | News
It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow wind and snow warning for parts of England this Easter weekend. The warning covers parts of northern England stretching from Liverpool to Newcastle, as well as Scotland, Northern Ireland and North Wales. Winds of up to 90 mph may be possible in the west of Scotland, while elsewhere wind speeds may reach 60-70 mph.
Commenting on the closure, National Highways said: “Road users traveling along the Pennines are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes such as the A69.”
An amber weather warning is also in place and extends across the region. Durham Police said the main A-road will be inaccessible to high-sided vehicles between Bowes and Brough at 7pm tonight (Saturday, April 4) and all other vehicles at 9pm.
A police spokesman said: “The A66 Trans-Pennine between Bowes and Brough will be closed in both directions from 9pm this evening (April 4) due to Storm Dave – due to high winds – which will likely close more quickly to high-sided vehicles for the same reason.
“Storm Dave is likely to cause transportation issues over the next few days so it’s worth checking before any planned trips.”
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Storm Dave’s arrival will make driving conditions in the north and west of the UK this Easter particularly challenging.
“Although we expect leisure traffic volumes to be slightly lower on Saturday and Sunday compared to the rest of the bank holiday, millions of people visiting friends and family will continue to be on the roads.
“Motorists should not underestimate the impact of very strong winds predicted.
“We recommend that you take extra care on open, elevated routes and be particularly careful when overtaking vehicles with high sides as the jolting effect may miss some people. Slowing down and keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel is vital in these conditions.”
