MOTORISTS are being advised to plan ahead for their journeys with the imminent arrival of Storm Babet and an increased risk of floods. 

The Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rain which it says is likely to bring some flooding and disruption. 

The warnings are for between midnight tonight (Thursday) and 6am on Saturday, and affect Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and North East of England and the East and West Midlands. 

Dale Hipkiss, national network manager at National Highways said: “If you're using the roads slow down and give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front.

"It is harder for tyres to grip the road and excess spray makes it harder to see ahead. 

“We also remind drivers to remember TRIP – this is a National Highways initiative to help motorists.

"It stands for: Top-up - fuel, water and oil; Rest - every two hours; Inspect - tyres and lights before a long journey and Prepare - check your journey and the weather forecast before heading out.” 

The Met Office says homes and businesses could be flooded and fast-flowing and deep water is possible, causing danger to life.