Storm Claudia to grip complete nation as Brits urged to look out for ‘three issues’
Storm Claudia is set to batter the UK this weekend — but ahead of the poor weather, experts are warning motorists of three separate things that could derail their journeys
Brits are being urged to avoid any unnecessary travel this weekend as Storm Claudia takes hold over the UK. As well as this, experts are now warning of three things that could impact travellers due to the poor weather.
The UK is already starting to feel the effects of Storm Claudia as it begins to make landfall across Britain. Already, temperatures have fallen, winds have picked up and deluges of rain are already being seen as the weather change hits us hard.
But now, with advice against travel being issued, motoring experts are urging anyone who is looking to brave the bad weather to be prepared for any eventuality.
As a result, they have given urgent warnings for three important things before setting off. James Harding, a specialist in tyres at motoring company Blackcircles said that Brits will be caught off guard due to high winds and the unpredictability of stormy weather.
This, coupled with bad visibility will make driving incredibly hard for many drivers, which Harding says Brits need to be aware of. “Driving in the rain can be challenging, even for the most confident drivers; slippery roads, poor visibility, and unpredictable weather mean you need to take extra care,” James said.
“Whilst we recommend avoiding journeys where you can, we know that some cannot be avoided.” He added that heavy downpours will only worsen the chance to see out of the windscreen, so it is paramount to be careful when driving, avoiding any puddles or potholes where possible.
On top of this, do not in any circumstance enter a road that has been flooded as you may end up stranded in the water, unable to get out. James also said to avoid skidding as water on the roads will be incredibly high, urging drivers not to steer too erratically and instead “gently steer in the direction you want to go”, all while being scarce with the gas pedal.
He further explained: “In any serious situation where you feel unsafe or uncertain, pull over to a safe location and wait until conditions improve before continuing your journey.” Blackcircles gave three tips that motorists should be aware of and prepare for whilst trying to go out and about in the bad weather, including preparing tyres before heading onto the road.
The company said that with water remaining on the surface, many cars’ tyres may lose grip and cause them to veer off the road. As a result, tyres are now recommended to have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth, to ensure that cars do not skid and make things more dangerous.
However, these specifications will vary, so it is best to check with your logbook to see what is best. Another way to stay safe on the roads is to increase your visibility and maintain strong headlights, ensuring that your windscreen wipers are working properly.
During stormy and wet conditions, it is recommended that daylights are always on, so that they can continue to help provide light, even in foggy or rainy spots. The final piece of advice is for motorists to change the way they drive during the storm, as it takes twice as long to stop a car in the rain than when it is dry.
Drivers are also being asked to bring their speed down by about a third so their added reaction times can result in fewer crashes.
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