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Original poster

Driving from London to Essex today. Safe?!

49 replies

Towel6767 · 18/02/2022 09:30

Supposed to be going to Essex in about an hour. Am a bit scared about driving in Storm Eunice.

Is it a bad idea?!?!

I’m not a nervous driver, but I am a bit nervous about this after watching the news!

OP posts:
Original poster
Towel6767 · 18/02/2022 09:39

Anyone?

OP posts:
FennecShandDoesEverything · 18/02/2022 09:43

Unless it's a necessary trip, the advice is quite clearly that you shouldn't go.

Nobody knows for sure whether it'll be safe or not. That's sort of the point.

Refrosty · 18/02/2022 09:46

Don't. I was going to make the reverse journey today but decided against it. The wind is really picking up and has already caused traffic in areas

rubyslippers · 18/02/2022 09:47

There’s red warnings now in place
I absolutely wouldn’t

Beth13579 · 18/02/2022 09:48

The advice is pretty clear.
If it's essential, go in the understanding that there is an element of risk to your journey.
If you're just visiting friends, or doing something that can be postponed until tomorrow / next weekend / next month, then don't go today.

Original poster
Towel6767 · 18/02/2022 09:51

It’s a birthday party for family in Essex, everyone very excited etc. but all my family live there so they’re already local.

My kids would be very disappointed. But, at the same time, I don’t want to take a risk. At the moment, london looks blustery but sunny, making my decision even harder! (Perhaps I should have just gone at 8am!!)

OP posts:
madamegazelle1 · 18/02/2022 09:52

It will be sad not to see people but essential journeys are the only ones you should be travelling for. It may be fine but it really isn't worth the risk

formalineadeline · 18/02/2022 09:55

The advice is explicit not to drive.

Better to be a bit disappointed than dead.

Notanotherwindow · 18/02/2022 09:55

I just got blown across 2 lanes on the M11.

We were all crawling along at 40mph and weaving about like we're pissed because these huge gusts are pushing us out of our lanes.

I wouldn't do it unless you really have to. It looks deceptively calm but it isn't. One minute it's fine, just a bit blowy, next I was trying not to hit the central barrier and very glad there was nothing next to me.

FennecShandDoesEverything · 18/02/2022 09:56

...it is not a difficult decision for a birthday party.

Get a grip.

Beth13579 · 18/02/2022 09:57

Birthday party = non essential.
Don't go.

Notanotherwindow · 18/02/2022 09:57

Perhaps a train might be a good compromise? I definitely wouldn't drive atm.

crosbystillsandmash · 18/02/2022 09:58

@Notanotherwindow

Perhaps a train might be a good compromise? I definitely wouldn't drive atm.
A train?! ConfusedConfused
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 18/02/2022 09:59

The QE2 bridge is shut as an example of roads in that region...

Notanotherwindow · 18/02/2022 10:01

Well they can't be blown off the tracks can they?

They're like, bullet shaped, doesn't that make them pretty windproof?

Justkeeppedaling · 18/02/2022 10:05

There's an answer to a similar post that says you're not insured to drive in a red warning - I don't know if that's true or not though.

formalineadeline · 18/02/2022 10:05

From the Met Office: The red warning areas indicate a significant danger to life as extremely strong winds provide the potential for damage to structures and flying debris

Putting all your lives at risk for a birthday party - why would you even contemplate that?

I don't know how they could communicate any more clearly that no, it is not safe to be out and driving today.

Justkeeppedaling · 18/02/2022 10:06

@Notanotherwindow

Well they can't be blown off the tracks can they?

They're like, bullet shaped, doesn't that make them pretty windproof?

I doubt trains would blown off the tracks, but a tree might fall on the line and that could have pretty serious repercussions.
Chakraleaf · 18/02/2022 10:07

No

ClaudiaWankleman · 18/02/2022 10:08

A train?! ConfusedConfused

Yes, they're a form of public transport. They're running today with reduced services to allow vehicles to travel more slowly.

I'd go OP. We've missed too many family social occasions over the last two years to miss another one.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 18/02/2022 10:08

Sometimes I watch the news and wonder why they give such obvious advise.

Now I know...

ClaudiaWankleman · 18/02/2022 10:09

The QE2 bridge is shut as an example of roads in that region

An elevated, unprotected bridge road that shuts with relative frequency isn't a particularly good example to use.

Fizbosshoes · 18/02/2022 10:10

Several train companies have issued warnings not to travel.
With ongoing wind there is the constant risk of things being blown onto the tracks (not just trees - a few years ago a trampoline got blown onto tracks!) or damaging overhead power lines.

Cam2020 · 18/02/2022 10:11

Perhaps a train might be a good compromise? I definitely wouldn't drive atm.

If there's an obstruction on the line, you could be stranded for hours.

I'm not sure what is so difficult to understand about the guidance.

Notanotherwindow · 18/02/2022 10:11

Didn't think of trees tbf but I'd think someone has and if they are running, it can't be considered that much of a risk.

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