Spring today, but gales in Yorkshire tomorrow

The Highways Agency issued an “amber alert”, saying high winds - particularly affecting road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans – are forecast for between 8am and 6pm.

Forecasters are predicting gusts of between 50mph and 60mph, with 70mph gusts possible on exposed sections of road.

The Agency said drivers should avoid these roads:

• A1(M) J47-J49 Between A59 Knaresborough and A168 Dishforth

• A1(M) J58-J65 Between A1 and Washington at J65

• A66 Between M6 J40 - A1(M) J60

• A19 Hylton Bridge over River Wear

• A19 Tees Viaduct

• A19 Leven Viaduct

• A69 whole route

Guy Huckle, the Agency’s regional emergency planning manager, said: “We are advising motorcyclists, drivers of high sided vehicles and people towing caravans to avoid certain routes if possible, as there is a strong risk of being blown over in these locations.”

• Check traffic on your journey using our live webcams