Motoring expert shares how to drive safely during Storm Babet

A rare red weather warning has been issued in Scotland, as unprecedented weather conditions have hit the country as well as Northern Ireland and northern parts of England, where amber and yellow weather warnings have been issued.

Around 400 homes have had to be evacuated, waves of up to 20 metres have been spotted, and more than 20,000 homes in Scotland were left without power yesterday.

Storm Babet continues to pose a serious risk to life and potential injury, with high winds causing broken and uprooted trees, damage to property and chaos on major routes.

Non-essential travel is advised against but if you do have to venture out during Storm Babet, a motoring expert has shared the early warning sign that trouble is around the corner.

Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing explained: “Driving in torrential rain and high winds poses plenty of problems and is therefore best avoided if at all possible.

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“If you do have to venture out, one of the main things to be aware of is the danger of felled trees or large branches blocking roads.

“This is more of a problem in rural areas, where the prospect of suddenly bearing down on some fallen timber on a narrow country lane could lead to a serious accident.

“But if you keep an eye out for a sudden influx of twigs and leaves in the road, this will give you an early indication that high winds have caused significant damage in the area.”

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It is vital to pay extra attention whilst driving and remain completely focused as “any little clues such as these can help you stay safe”.

Rivers could rise by 5m and it is expected that a month’s worth of rain will fall in some areas of Scotland before Storm Babet subsides.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: “Heavy and persistent rain will fall on to already saturated ground bringing a risk of flooding. It is important to stay up to date with warnings from your local flood warning agency as well as the local authorities.

“As well as heavy rain, Storm Babet will bring some very strong winds and large waves near some eastern coasts too.

“Gusts in excess of 60mph are possible in eastern and northern Scotland from Thursday. It is likely that Met Office warnings will be updated through the week.”

Select Car Leasing’s Mr Conway added: “Some other good advice for driving during a storm is to keep your distance from other vehicles and beware of potential wind tunnels – especially between buildings – that could blow you off course as you pass them.”

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