DRIVERS have been warned to be prepared for strong gales in Yorkshire today, with gusts expected to reach 70mph.

Highways England urges motorists to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on journeys today in particular those using exposed locations on the A66 over the Pennines and high spots of the A69. High winds are forecast until 4am tomorrow.

Andrew Charnick, emergency planning manager at Highways England, said: “We issue severe weather alerts when there is a significant risk to vehicles using motorways and major A roads. The amber status means drivers should be prepared before setting out on journeys.

“There’s a particular risk to lorries and other vulnerable vehicles, such as caravans and motorbikes, so we’re asking drivers to slow down and to avoid using exposed sections of motorways and other route if possible.”

Highways England and the Met Office are advising that high-sided vehicles and other vulnerable vehicles avoid certain roads, including the M62 junctions 23 to 25 - Huddersfield to Brighouse.

Mr Charnick added: “We are working closely with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions and maintain safe roads and reliable journeys. We will have extra traffic officers and recovery vehicles to help respond to any incidents.”

Max Holdstock from the AA said: "You can easily be blown off course especially on exposed roads; when crossing bridges, passing gaps in hedges or buildings or emerging from a cutting.

"In country areas, there is a high risk of trees and branches being blown into your path while in urban streets, high winds will pick up anything not properly fixed – such as fence panels, wheelie-bins, trampolines or even garden sheds.

“And you should give a particularly wide berth around cyclists or motor-cyclists.”

Road users should follow messages on the overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by calling the Highways England Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or visiting http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/