Drivers are being warned over parking on the street this week following Met Office amber and yellow weather warnings for severe wind being issued across much of the UK. The forecaster has put in place two warnings for winds of up to 90mph in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Monday, from 6am for the yellow warning and 10am for the amber warning.
It says Storm Floris is set to bring unseasonably destructive winds, which could put people, property and cars at risk. The forecaster, as part of its linked advice on how to stay safe in a storm, has issued advice for drivers and car owners. It told car owners to park in a garage if possible, rather than near buildings, trees, walls or fences, which means parking on a driveway (near to your house) or the street (if you have trees on the street) is not recommended. That’s because of the risk to damage to your car if a tree, or fence or even part of a building, falls on top of it.
The Met Office said as part of advice linked in connection with its amber warning and yellow warning: “Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences.”
The forecaster also advised drivers to alter how they drive if they have to make journeys at all.
It said: “Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible.
“Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.
“Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary.”
The Met Office said in its amber weather warning: “Gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected for many parts, and are likely to reach 80 to 90 mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges.
Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts between late morning and early afternoon, the strongest winds then transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon/early evening.”
In its yellow warning it said: “Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday. The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later.”