North warned of hazardous driving conditions

Motorists are being warned that severe weather conditions across northern England are highly likely to make driving hazardous over the next few days.

The Met Office predicts that some areas of north-east England will be subjected to heavy rain and winds gusting at over 60 mph during this afternoon (December 13th) and into the evening, making rush hour traffic conditions even more perilous than usual.

Drivers in the north-west are also thought to be affected by the autumnal onslaught of bad weather while those in the south could also suffer later today and into tomorrow.

In a statement today, the Highways Agency advised: "Rain and spray can reduce visibility and more than double the distance to stop, so drivers are advised to use headlights and keep well back from the vehicle in front.

"Water on the road can reduce tyre grip and makes steering unresponsive. Drivers should ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually."

The wet and windy weather in the north is expected to clear up by the weekend.