Britons at 'serious risk' with strong winds forcing drivers to stay off the road this weekend

Parts of eastern England and the Midlands are expected to be battered by thunderstorms which the Met Office says may cause flooding and disruption.

Northern Ireland, the west coast of Wales and Cornwall will see very strong and gusty winds which could cause disruption to transport and travel.

Drivers are being told to prepare for Storm Betty as it could cause some roads and bridges to close with longer journey times expected.

Jason Kelly, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: “Friday and Saturday will see unseasonably wet and windy conditions for much of the UK.

“While Storm Betty will have higher impacts in Ireland, exposed Irish Sea coasts of the UK could see gusts in excess of 70mph, with around 50mph more widely.”

The Met Office has issued guidance for drivers dealing with the extreme weather, with roads around the UK set to be affected.

When driving in strong winds, motorists are advised to stay on main roads, where there is a smaller likelihood of being impacted by falling branches and debris.

They should also grip their steering wheel firmly with both hands as the strong winds can unsettle the vehicle.

This is particularly important when overtaking on motorways, with wind on the exposed stretches of road having an impact on the vehicles.

According to the AA, when the wind speed goes above 45mph it can be more dangerous to drive, with the motoring company recommending that people avoid driving if they can.

Motorists who need to drive in adverse conditions should be aware of their speed and ensure they are driving safely to protect themselves and other road users.

With thunderstorms predicted, road safety experts are warning that cars can act as a “Faraday cage”, with the metal roof and frame forcing the lightning around the vehicle.

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, advised drivers to listen to their local radio stations to stay informed about the latest weather and road updates.

He added: “When it is getting difficult to see your surroundings and the weather is only getting worse, drivers should consider safely pulling over, turning off the car and sitting tight for the storm to pass.

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“Often with summer thunderstorms comes sudden gusts of strong winds, putting some of the most vulnerable road users at serious risk. Drivers should watch out for pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists as they could easily be blown around.”