A66 to close in both directions due to Storm Darragh

National Highways is advising drivers to take extra care on the roads and be prepared as Storm Darragh brings very strong winds throughout tomorrow.

With gusts of up to 70mph predicted inland across the Northwest, the decision has been taken to close the A66 in both directions (between Augill Beck and Scotch Corner) to all traffic from 7am tomorrow (Saturday, 7 December) for safety reasons.

The Met Office has issued an Amber alert for strong winds in the Northwest, with gusts of up to 80mph likely around coastal regions. A rare Red alert for high winds has been issued for parts of Wales and the South West.

Winds are expected to strengthen from the early hours of tomorrow with the Amber warning for the Northwest remaining in place until 9pm tomorrow. A Yellow weather warning for high wind remains in effect in the Northwest until 6am on Sunday.  

National Highways advises motorists – particularly those driving high-sided HGVs, motor homes and motorcycles, and those towing caravans and trailers – to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys. 

Motorists should pay particular attention to exposed locations such as coastal and high-lying areas and bridges which could be affected by the high winds.  

Dee Murray, Control Centre Operations Manager for National Highways, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve. For safety reasons the A66 will be closed in both directions from 7am tomorrow.

“If you do intend to travel, then plan your journey and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.  

“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 drive to the conditions.  

“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.”

Unladen curtain-sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable to windy conditions in exposed areas.

Dee added: “Curtains on empty high-sided vehicles can act as sails when closed, and when high winds arise, we advise HGV drivers to open their curtain-sided vehicles if they are empty.” 

Road users are being advised to follow messages on any overhead signs, listen to radio updates and follow the National Highways’ X feed @HighwaysNWEST. Further information can be found at www.trafficengland.com or calling the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000.