Drivers are being warned about being on the road over the coming days as strong winds from Storm Isha hit the UK and could lead to hazardous situations for motorists.
The Met Office had issued an unprecedented, nationwide amber weather warning for wind over the weekend as Storm Isha batters the UK.
While it has since been downgraded to a yellow warning, it still affects the whole country after some parts of the UK saw winds of up to 99mph over the weekend.
A yellow weather warning remains in place for much of the UK until Wednesday, January 24, with further strong gusts expected.
A nationwide amber warning was issued over the weekend
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The Met Office warned that the strong winds could force roads and bridges to shut, causing potential travel chaos for millions of people.
It could have an even greater effect for those driving on coastal roads or near sea fronts with the large waves throwing material onto the road and into the view of drivers.
British drivers have been hit with harsh road conditions in recent weeks with a number of storms and consistent freezing temperatures affecting roads and how people go about their daily lives.
Police forces around the UK have called on motorists to make sure they are only driving in dangerous conditions if it is absolutely necessary to avoid any risks.
Road users are always advised to check with their local police service or motorway maintenance team on social media to receive updates on the condition of roads near them.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Bad weather can not only impact the performance of the car on the road but also the drivers too.
“So it’s important to take all of the necessary precautions in order to minimise accidents and such like.
“We’re urging motorists to take all the necessary steps to keep themselves and others on the road safe.”
The Met Office has called on drivers to grip their steering wheel firmly with both hands as wind can unsettle vehicles. This is particularly important for motorists planning on overtaking other road users.
When driving in areas with gaps in between trees, buildings or bridges, drivers are more likely to be hit with side winds. To combat this, the Met Office suggests maintaining enough room on either side of the vehicle to account for being blown sideways.
Motorists should also give vulnerable road users more room than usual, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
These groups of road users are more likely to be blown around by side winds with vehicle owners instructed to keep a safe distance.
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Strong winds saw trees knocked over onto cars in Belfast
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Much of the nation has seen heavy rain in recent days, potentially heightening the danger they face on the roads.
Britons are instructed to increase their following gap to at least four seconds from the moving traffic in front of them in case their vehicle aquaplanes.
