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Original poster

When would the wind be too strong for you to drive in?

27 replies

Doi · 21/12/2023 07:55

Yellow weather warning, winds of 60mph where I am this morning. My friend has a powercut in the next town. I have a journey to make but I’m thinking twice. What would you say?

OP posts:
Original poster
Doi · 21/12/2023 08:03

On one hand I’m thinking its fine and on the other hand I worry

OP posts:
gotomomo · 21/12/2023 08:04

Tornado warning? Hurricane? Otherwise I'd drive. It's pretty blowy here now but I have work so I'm driving

Mademetoxic · 21/12/2023 08:05

Depends how far you're travelling I guess and what speed you plan to do?
Say if you're going on a long motorway drive be extra cautious, but to the next town, will be fine. :)

Candleabra · 21/12/2023 08:05

Is it an essential journey? It’s dreadful here. I wouldn’t go out at the moment.

Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 21/12/2023 08:05

If you don't feel confident and you don't need to go then stay home. Personally for me it would depend where I am driving - around town I wouldn't be too worried, on a country route fairly flat with lots of exposure or high bridges I would think twice depending on my reasons for going. If it was a hospital appointment I would go, popping to shops which I can do a different time possibly not.

JaninaDuszejko · 21/12/2023 08:05

Well I grew up in the north of Scotland and if we didn't drive every time there was a big wind you'd be house bound for months. Drive carefully, keeping both hands on the wheel ready to respond to gusts.

Original poster
Doi · 21/12/2023 08:07

Unexpecteddrivinginstructor · 21/12/2023 08:05

If you don't feel confident and you don't need to go then stay home. Personally for me it would depend where I am driving - around town I wouldn't be too worried, on a country route fairly flat with lots of exposure or high bridges I would think twice depending on my reasons for going. If it was a hospital appointment I would go, popping to shops which I can do a different time possibly not.

The only route possibly is via a couple of country lanes which are bad enough on normal days with poor visibility. Then after one of those the next road is very flat, high up and exposed and you often feel the slightest of breezes. The alternative route is via the motorway but still involves one of the two country lanes

OP posts:
Yhrist · 21/12/2023 08:09

Yes it is a worry. DH tried to get to work had to stop as one tree across the road, he turned round and another tree fell behind him. He’s now stuck between the 2 trees and feeling lucky to be alive.

FrostyFlo · 21/12/2023 08:10

Can't be answered really - only you know what makes you feel safe driving wise . I am picking up a friend today and going somewhere which means a short drive over an open moor, Yes it might be a little scary but I think I can manage it with being extra cautious.
Some might say no way , others wouldn't give it a second thought. Whichever you choose to do is right for you.

Hellzbellz25 · 21/12/2023 08:10

It's the trees that frighten me, we live in a place full of them and I'm dreading driving to work

Original poster
Doi · 21/12/2023 08:10

Hellzbellz25 · 21/12/2023 08:10

It's the trees that frighten me, we live in a place full of them and I'm dreading driving to work

Same. Be safe!

OP posts:
QueSyrahSyrah · 21/12/2023 08:10

We regularly have gale force 7-9 here and life carries on exactly as normal, but at force 10 which covers 60mph winds I'd start to question if the journey could be done another time.

SparklyMularky · 21/12/2023 08:11

Where in the country are you? I think the warning is Scotland and the north east. I'd prob take the advice and stay home if it was there but I'm going to Coventry today and I'm not concerned.

Original poster
Doi · 21/12/2023 08:12

SparklyMularky · 21/12/2023 08:11

Where in the country are you? I think the warning is Scotland and the north east. I'd prob take the advice and stay home if it was there but I'm going to Coventry today and I'm not concerned.

Yeah I’m in the north where the warning extends to

OP posts:
sleepyscientist · 21/12/2023 08:12

gotomomo · 21/12/2023 08:04

Tornado warning? Hurricane? Otherwise I'd drive. It's pretty blowy here now but I have work so I'm driving

About this two tree down on our estate road, the lovely farmer has pulled them to the side of the road. Will get cut for logs at some point once the wind settles. Just be aware watch the trees, don't stop under them if you can even if it means leaving a bigger gap.

MintJulia · 21/12/2023 08:13

60mph is no problem for a domestic car. Keep to the speed limit, pay attention and observe stopping distances, and you'll be fine.

AuntieMarys · 21/12/2023 08:15

Nothing will stop me driving an hour to collect my pork pie

QuestionableMouse · 21/12/2023 08:15

Hellzbellz25 · 21/12/2023 08:10

It's the trees that frighten me, we live in a place full of them and I'm dreading driving to work

Same! My work is miles down tiny lanes - I've already had to brave a flood this winter!

SparklyMularky · 21/12/2023 08:25

Sorry. See you literally say you have the warning. Yellow id drive. Red I wouldn't. Watch out coming from behind lorry's on 2/3 lane roads and trees.

PuttingDownRoots · 21/12/2023 08:27

Our gazebo tried to escape this morning.

You know local conditions better than the Internet. But schools are open for example

Balloonhearts · 21/12/2023 08:55

When it starts forcing me into the other lane. Obviously the slower you drive, the easier it is in high winds.

2jacqi · 21/12/2023 08:58

@Doi it isnt the winds so much as the trees which are blown down by the wind!!! I have seen me not being able to cross the bridge due to wind closure and having to make a two hour detour to get home. even that was horrendous because of fallen trees all over the place. I remember another occasion when no one could get out the village because every entry and exit was blocked by fallen trees!/ Often told my hubby and son to stay in town with friends and relatives rather than go the long way home because it was safer.

SaltyGod · 21/12/2023 09:00

I’d happily drive in a yellow warning.

We have a high sided car so get buffeted about on exposed roads fairly regularly. I’m very cautious on overtaking lorries on exposed roads, try to get it done quickly and won’t do it on the most exposed spots if they’re waving about in the wind.

I’ve seen a fair few wind toppled lorries and wouldn’t want to be under one.

Dinoswearunderpants · 21/12/2023 09:01

You sound like a very unconfident driver so please save us all the trouble and stay home.

irisgg7 · 21/12/2023 09:07

If it's not essential, don't go. Stay home and enjoy watching all the recycling fly down the street.

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