Many of us may hear our doors rattling or see our outdoor furniture blowing over as Storm Eowyn is wreaking havoc around the UK – and being vigilant on the roads is important.
The Met Office has issued a number of weather warnings for today as 100mph winds are expected along coastlines.
A wind speed of 114mph was recorded in Galway, Ireland, at 5am this morning, which broke the previous record of 113mph, which was set in 1945 in Limerick, according to Met Éireann.
People have been warned about the storm posing a danger to life, and been told not to travel. Flights and rail services have been delayed and cancelled. Alternatively, you might choose to travel by car, but if you car is bouncing up and down or you are drifting in the wind, it can be quite scary.
A driving instructor has shared her top tips for preparing to drive in adverse weather conditions.
Vicky Folland, who is a trained driving instructor and “test nerves specialist”, took to TikTok recently to share her top tips on staying safe in the wind. Vicky said: “Driving in the wind can be potentially quite scary and quite dangerous.
“Before you go out, check the weather conditions and do you really need to take that journey? If you are out and driving in the wind, make sure you keep a firm grip on the wheel.”
Vicky also advises driving at a slower speed than usual and taking it easy. “You’re less likely to get caught in a gust of wind if you’re driving a little bit slower.”
She also notes, particularly to those driving on motorways, to be careful around high sided vehicles as the vehicles can “buffer about” and shake in the wind as it blows.
Vicky also suggests leaving extra space between you and the next vehicle, and being extra careful around smaller vehicles such as motorcycles or cyclists. “Allow extra space when you’re overtaking,” she suggests.
The driving instructor also warns: “Be careful for sudden gusts and sidewinds.” Drivers should also be cautious of fallen trees and debris in roads.
She also noted that anyone who may have a driving test during a storm could expect it to get cancelled. She said: “If you’re unsure, phone your test centre. Fingers cross it’ll go ahead.”
One individual shared their experience and wrote: “I had a lesson in Storm Babet I think it was. It was horrific, the car was rocking.” Another shared: “First time driving in wind this afternoon and was a little scary but I just slowed down and tried to keep calm.”
Chris Wood, AA patrol of the year, said: “As the warning has risen from amber to red in the most northern and western areas of the UK, we urge drivers to consider whether their journey is necessary and if not postpone it. If you do need to travel, make sure you’re prepared for what you may encounter. Expect to come across fallen branches and other debris on the roads, especially in rural areas.”