With winds of up to 90mph expected during Storm Eowyn, motorists should consider moving their cars if parked underneath trees or in wooded areas.
As Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint explains: “With parts of the UK gearing up for incredibly strong winds, car owners should consider moving their vehicles if they’re at risk of falling debris.
“The danger posed by trees during extreme weather shouldn‘t be underestimated. Beyond falling trees, strong winds can cause branches to break off, which could cause damage to your bodywork and windscreen.
“Where possible, motorists should park away from trees and tall items that risk breaking off or falling in high winds. If your car were to be damaged by falling debris during the storm, you would need to claim on your insurance.”
With some areas of the UK experiencing thunder and lightning due to the storm, motorists should be mindful that trees are also a prime target for lightning.
“In a lightning storm, vehicles parked close to trees are at risk of being struck by a slide flash – where the electrical current can travel from a tall object that his been struck to objects close by such as parked cars.
Motorists should also be mindful of other items that could damage their car or cause disruption during the bad weather.
“Unsecured items like bins and traffic cones could be blown into the road during high winds and risk damage to parked cars as well as making it more difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.
“If you see an outdoor bin rolling around the road, it’s a good idea to move it out of the way and place it behind a garden wall – where it’s less likely to cause any damage or block the roads,” Tim suggests.
Where possible, drivers should avoid making unnecessary trips during high winds and should follow official advice.
For more information, visit: https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/guides/tips-for-driving-in-high-wind
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