How to Drive Safely in High Winds in the UK

Summary

• High winds above 45 mph make driving dangerous — high-sided vehicles, motorcycles, and cars towing caravans are most at risk of being blown off course.
• Reduce your speed, keep both hands on the wheel, and leave extra space between you and other vehicles when driving in strong winds.
• Avoid exposed routes like bridges, motorways, and coastal roads during storm warnings, and delay your journey if the Met Office issues an amber or red wind warning.

The UK gets its fair share of storms. Strong winds can turn a routine drive into something genuinely dangerous. Every year, drivers are caught out by gusts that push vehicles across lanes or topple trees onto roads. Here is how to stay safe when the wind picks up.

When Is It Too Windy To Drive?

There is no specific wind speed at which driving becomes illegal. However, conditions become increasingly dangerous above certain thresholds:

Wind Speed	Risk Level	Advice
30–40 mph	Moderate	Drive with care. High-sided vehicles at risk.
40–55 mph	High	Avoid motorways and exposed routes if possible.
55–70 mph	Very high	Consider delaying your journey.
70+ mph	Extreme	Do not drive unless absolutely essential.

The Met Office issues weather warnings that give clear guidance. Yellow warnings mean be aware. Amber means be prepared. Red means take action — stay off the roads if at all possible.

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Which Vehicles Are Most At Risk?

Some vehicles are far more vulnerable to high winds than others:

• High-sided vehicles: Lorries, vans, and buses act like sails and can be pushed across lanes or toppled.
• Cars towing caravans or trailers: The towed unit can swing violently in crosswinds.
• Motorcycles and bicycles: Extremely vulnerable due to their light weight and narrow profile.
• Empty vans and box trailers: Lighter when empty, making them more susceptible to gusts.
• Small, light cars: Cars with a high centre of gravity or low weight are pushed around more easily.

Even large, heavy cars can be caught out by sudden gusts. This is especially true when driving past gaps in hedgerows, buildings, or bridges where wind is funnelled.

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Safe Driving Tips In High Winds

Follow these tips to stay safe when driving in strong winds:

1. Reduce your speed. Slower speeds give you more time to react to sudden gusts.
2. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel. Be ready for the car to be pushed sideways.
3. Leave extra space. Give high-sided vehicles plenty of room. They may swerve unexpectedly.
4. Watch for debris. Fallen branches, wheelie bins, and loose items can appear on the road without warning.
5. Be cautious on exposed roads. Bridges, hilltops, and open stretches are the most dangerous.
6. Anticipate gusts. Wind often picks up suddenly as you emerge from sheltered areas like cuttings or tunnels.

The most dangerous moment is when you overtake a high-sided vehicle. You lose the wind shelter it provides and can be hit by a sudden gust. Overtake quickly and be ready.

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Motorway Driving In High Winds

Motorways are particularly exposed to high winds. There are fewer trees and buildings to break the wind, and speeds are higher.

Key tips for motorway driving in wind:

• Stay in the left lane where possible. It gives you more room to correct if pushed sideways.
• Reduce your speed well below the national speed limit if conditions are poor.
• Keep a larger gap than normal behind the vehicle in front.
• Watch out for overhead gantry signs — Highways England may set lower speed limits or close exposed sections.

Bridges and viaducts on motorways are particularly dangerous. Some, like the Severn Bridge, close entirely in very strong winds.

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What To Do If Caught In A Storm

If conditions suddenly worsen while you are already driving:

• Pull over safely. Find a sheltered spot away from trees, power lines, and bridges.
• Do not stop under trees. Falling branches are one of the biggest dangers in high winds.
• Stay in your car. Your vehicle offers better protection than being outside.
• Keep your engine running. You may need to move quickly if a tree falls nearby.
• Turn on your hazard lights. This makes you visible to other drivers.

If a tree or power line falls across the road, stop well back. Do not attempt to move it. Call 999 if there is an immediate danger to life, or 101 to report the obstruction.

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Before You Set Off In Windy Conditions

Good preparation makes a big difference:

• Check the weather forecast. The Met Office app and website give detailed wind speed predictions for your route.
• Plan your route. Avoid exposed roads, bridges, and coastal stretches where possible.
• Secure loose items. Remove roof boxes and bike racks if not needed — they increase wind resistance.
• Check your tyres. Good tyre condition and correct pressure help maintain grip and control.
• Delay if necessary. No journey is worth risking your life. If the forecast is severe, wait until conditions improve.

Make sure your car is roadworthy before venturing out. A quick MOT history check confirms your car is safe to drive. Regular servicing keeps everything in proper working order for when conditions get challenging.

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