Storm Doris alert issued to drivers in Greater Manchester
Motorists urged to be careful as winds reach dangerous levels
Last updated 22nd Feb 2017
Drivers are being urged to be prepared before setting out on journeys tomorrow (Thursday 23 February) after Highways England issued a severe weather alert for the country’s major roads.
An amber alert for gales will be in place across the North, Midlands and East between 6am and 6pm on Thursday in response to the strong winds and heavy rain forecast during Storm Doris.
Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are expected on some roads, along with heavy rain and surface water. There is a particularly high risk to high-sided vehicles, caravans and motorbikes on exposed sections of the network.
Drivers of these vehicles are being strongly advised to avoid travelling on around 40 stretches of motorway and major A road while the alert is in place.
In Greater Manchester they include:
M6: J20-J21 Thelwall Viaduct
M60: J10-J12 Barton Bridge through to M62
M60: J16-J17 Pendlebury and Kersley to Prestwich and Whitefield
M62: J18-J27 Between Manchester and Leeds
M61: J4-J5 Westhoughton
Richard Leonard, Highways England’s Head of Road Safety, said:
“We’re expecting Storm Doris to have a significant impact on the roads throughout the day tomorrow so are urging drivers to consider changing their plans if necessary and to slow down in stormy weather.
“Drivers should look out for warnings on the electronic message signs and listen for updates in radio travel bulletins. Our traffic officers will also be ready to respond to any incidents during Storm Doris, and we’re urging drivers to respond to the changing conditions on the road to stay safe.”