Worried about driving to work in tomorrow's storm

[sleaf]

Not really an AIBU but posting for traffic. I have to drive to work tomorrow at around 0900, and leave work at around 1230. The journey is around 12 miles/20 minutes each way and is mainly 60mph single carriageways and some residential areas. Will be in a 4x4 SUV.

I've been driving for over 25 years but am worried about tomorrow.

Thinking I'll make a decision in the morning - if it's too hazardous I'll tell my bosses I'm WFH.

WWYD?

I work for a local authority in am amber coastal area OP. Our schools are shut, we're all directed to work at home unless in essential services.
Stay at home. Your boss should have made the call for you

The warning is only to go out where necessary.

Lots of schools closed in that area.

You can WFH.

Silly not to!

I'd work from home. About 25% of drivers in my opinion should not have a licence, and they will be the ones most likely to make non-urgent or avoidable journeys and drive in a dangerous manner (or be unprepared). I'd want to give them a wide berth and could do so by staying at home.

What do people recommend when workplaces are stipulating we must come in? It’s stressing me out! Amber warning, windy country roads with many many trees for 15 miles or so. Short of calling in sick I don’t know what to do?! The few who live very nearby and will walk in or just risk it and not care will be seen as heroes and the ones who don’t bother will be disciplined

@sleaf

It's a new job is all and I'm worried my boss will be annoyed if I don't go in. I know I'm being pathetic.

It's better that than get caught in the storm though

I can't work from home but my car journey is only 2.5 miles. I've got a couple of routes I can go unfortunately both tree lined.

One of the other managers is off on holiday this week so I told his team to wfh tomorrow as it was their turn in the office. If he or my manager has a problem with it, tough shit. None of them where there to make that choice and I felt it was an unnecessary risk. At the end of the day, I have told them if they get in trouble, send that person to me and I will take the hit.

Managers really should just be a bit sensible about these things. What's the point of going in if its dangerous and you can work from home?

@Blueeyedgirl21

What do people recommend when workplaces are stipulating we must come in? It’s stressing me out! Amber warning, windy country roads with many many trees for 15 miles or so. Short of calling in sick I don’t know what to do?! The few who live very nearby and will walk in or just risk it and not care will be seen as heroes and the ones who don’t bother will be disciplined

I would be looking for a new work place tbh, I need flexibility so I give it to my team and they appreciate that. I also give it to other peoples teams when they aren't around and get a slapped hand on return there's a reason they all come to me when their managers are away, they know I'm a soft touch haha

We’re also SW, I would wait until the morning and see if the weather is severe or not.

We’re in Gloucestershire, where part of the county is in the red area. The county has declared a major incident and their email says no travel unless absolutely essential. All the emergency services are going to be needed for saving people from flooding and falling trees, so drivers shouldn’t be adding to the burden.

@AdoraBell

We’re also SW, I would wait until the morning and see if the weather is severe or not.

This

Op it's terribly unfair you are expected to go in.
It's a crisis situation for about 5 hours.
It appals me that people are not given the option to work from home when they can.
There will be care workers, hospital staff who probably really need to get out tomorrow.
Roads should be clear for people who assist others to stay Alive really.

@HangOnToYourself

I wouldnt even contemplate driving in a red warning if you have the option to WFH

Neither would I!

YANBU, OP.

You're not being pathetic, in your circumstances I wouldn't be keen either if there is an option to WFH.

I have to go into work tomorrow, we are short staffed and I've had to give up my day off to go in. Doesn't matter how stormy it is, I have to be there. We're in the amber warning region; I'm not overly worried, it will be fine.

@Blueeyedgirl21

What do people recommend when workplaces are stipulating we must come in? It’s stressing me out! Amber warning, windy country roads with many many trees for 15 miles or so. Short of calling in sick I don’t know what to do?! The few who live very nearby and will walk in or just risk it and not care will be seen as heroes and the ones who don’t bother will be disciplined

If they walk in and risk it and get crushed by a tree they won't be seen as heros

Will make my decision in the morning but likely putting safety first and WFH - although bosses probably won't be too pleased.

I am a TA. About half the local schools have closed but not mine. I am also very worried about the drive in as the roads are narrow, single lane and tree lined!
We plan to keep the kids inside all day.

In a 4x4 driving slow on an A road you'll probably be fine. However, other road users, trees nearby etc etc. I'd only drive if absolutely necessary.

I made the decision for the whole family that we aren't going to work, none can work at home except me, we are smack bang in the red and we all travel myself, DH, 2 DS + DS1's partner. We have to travel over the Severn bridge, All in different directions after the bridge so that's 5 cars.
If and hopefully when I get up and check 6am tomorrow things have changed then they will go to work.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=bzx3MeYonT8

Teresa Mannion knows the score. Do as she says.

There will be care workers, hospital staff who probably really need to get out tomorrow.
Roads should be clear for people who assist others to stay Alive really.

Agree. The issue isn’t just whether you will be in danger, but how much you will add to tailbacks and delays if you are caught behind a fallen tree.

Then don't...

Work from home. It is a silly risk to take.

I'm in the amber area but I've got to drive 40 miles each way in a tiny ancient MX-5. I can't WFH (doctor, on call tomorrow). Dreading it.

If your job allows you to work from home, then I’d question why your managers haven’t told you to do just that. Don’t risk it, stay home.