Teignbridge drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads overnight and tomorrow morning during Storm Aileen.

Highways England has issued an amber ‘be aware’ alert across the region, in response to a Met Office forecast of strong winds and heavy rain.

The Met Office’s own amber alert comes into force at 8pm tonight, Tuesday, and runs until 10am tomorrow morning, Wednesday.

Winds are expected to increase during this evening and into the early hours of tomorrow morning, with gusts up to 65 to 75 miles per hour possible over exposed roads during the night. Winds should begin to decrease during the morning peak period.

Drivers of lorries, caravans and motorbikes are being advised to avoid exposed sections of the national road network, including the Severn Bridge crossings.

Richard Leonard, Head of Road User Safety at Highways England, said: ‘We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys, with strong winds and heavy rain expected from Tuesday evening until Wednesday morning.

‘In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.’

The Met Office has also warned there’s a chance of power cuts and damage to trees and possibly even buildings. They’ve urged the public to be cautious.

Driving

It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road because tyres have less grip on the surface. In wet weather you should:

• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen.

• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.

• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.

Drivers are being advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000.