The AA has issued urgent advice to motorists to remove roof boxes before driving as Storm Chandra hits the UK with winds of up to 80mph in parts of Wales and Cornwall
The UK is bracing itself for more miserable weather this week as Storm Chandra arrives. The weather system, due to hit hardest today (Tuesday, January 27), has already made its presence felt, with the Met Office issuing multiple amber and yellow weather warnings across parts of Wales and England.
Storm Chandra is forecast to unleash powerful winds and torrential rain that could create hazardous driving conditions. While most motorists understand the dangers of heavy downpours, many may not realise the risks of driving in strong winds.
Powerful winds, especially sudden and fierce gusts, can affect a vehicle’s stability and movement along the road and through the air. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure your car is as protected from the wind as possible.
To help keep motorists safe, the AA has issued guidance for drivers, including advice on what items to leave behind. One such item is the roof box, the handy storage unit many people attach to the top of their vehicles, reports Wales Online.
In their advice on driving in windy conditions, the AA stated: “Leave the roof box at home. A roof box can increase the impact of crosswinds on your vehicle.”
They also highlighted why wind poses such a danger and how its effects vary depending on the type of road. They said: Wind is worse on exposed stretches of road or when passing high-sided vehicles.
“Sudden gusts of wind are likely when passing tall buildings in urban areas. Keep your speed down –when travelling fast, strong gusts will blow you further off course.
“Overtaking can be dangerous in strong winds, as there may be a sudden gust as you pass a large vehicle (which could cause it to veer into you).”
The AA issued this advice as the Met Office named Storm Chandra ahead of its anticipated arrival in the UK this week.
According to the Met Office, the storm is expected to hit on Monday night and continue into Tuesday, with southwest Wales amongst the regions in its path.
Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gundersen cautioned: “Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday.
“Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.
“Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area.”
