A motoring expert has provided tips on how to drive safely in strong winds as Storm Eunice hits the region.
An amber weather warning is in force from 5am - 9pm today on Merseyside as "extremely strong winds" may cause "significant disruption".
The Met Office has also issued a "stay indoors" warning as gusts could reach speeds of up to 100mph.
READ MORE: Liverpool weather: Met Office updates 'danger to life' warning as Storm Eunice hits
The commercial director of roadside assistance firm Green Flag has urged drivers making essential journeys to be cautious in the windy conditions.
Mark Newberry said: “The onset of strong and disruptive winds, coupled with millions travelling over half term, means that Green Flag is expecting a spike in breakdowns across the country.
“As a result of these weather conditions, we urge drivers to remain cautious and to carry out the relevant safety checks before setting off on their journeys.
"It’s particularly important that people are as prepared as possible to withstand the high expected wind speeds and potential snow in some areas.”
The motoring expert has provided tips drivers should follow if they are making a journey today.
Tips to drive safely amid weather warning
- Plan your journey - Go online and plan your route to see if there are likely to be road closures or delays.
- Hold onto your doors - When you’re opening a car door in strong winds, especially from the inside, have a firm grip of the door handle and be prepared for the wind to catch it. High winds can cause serious damage to a door’s hinges.
- Think about where best to park - Try to avoid parking beneath trees or near a building’s roof, as falling debris could damage your car or cause serious injury.
- Grip the steering wheel firmly - Some drivers find it more relaxing with one hand on the steering wheel. This is never a good idea, especially when faced with strong gusts of wind. Grip the wheel firmly with both hands.
- Leave more room - Reduce speeds and increase the distance between you and other traffic, especially if roads are wet. Also, be wary of high-sided vehicles, motorbikes, and cyclists, they are all particularly vulnerable to the effects of the wind.
- Stay safe if you breakdown – if you find yourself experiencing a breakdown while travelling on the motorway it’s best to try and turn off the road at the next exit. If this isn’t possible, pull onto the hard shoulder and turn on your hazard warning lights. Exit the car using the doors facing away from passing traffic, wait behind a barrier and move up the bank at the side of the road if you can. Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting to make any repairs yourself, call for help, or call your breakdown provider who will ensure you’re safely back on the road as soon as possible.
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