Published 22 September 2025
How to drive safely in windy and stormy weather
How to drive safely in windy weather
Driving in high winds can be dangerous and should be avoided if possible. However, if you can't delay your journey, there are a few important steps you can follow to make sure you're safe on the roads.
- How to drive in high winds.
- Parking tips to avoid damage.
- What to do if you car breaks down.
Before getting on the road, it's also best to check you and your vehicle are prepared for bad weather in case of an emergency.
How do I drive safely in windy weather?
If you can't avoid driving in a storm, there are some things to keep in mind to help you stay safe in windy conditions:
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Drive slowly
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Watch out for exposed areas
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Be careful on smaller roads
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Hold the wheel firmly
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Avoid overtaking
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Leave extra space
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Watch for Debris
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Carry essentials
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Be vigilant
High winds will affect handling and braking. Driving slowly will help you maintain control of your car, even when a sudden gust comes along.
Open stretches of road with fewer buildings have less protection from strong winds. Keep an eye out for exposed roads and be ready to slow down if needed.
Narrow routes lined with trees or buildings can create wind tunnels which are tricky to drive in. They can also be shared with cyclists and pedestrians, so take extra care.
A sudden gust can catch you off guard. Make sure you're in control of the vehicle by always keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Grip frimly enough to stay in control but not so tightly that you restrict movement.
Avoid overtaking when the winds are extremely high. Overtaking large vehicles can be especially difficult as it may result in a sudden gust as you go past.
Give cyclists and other road users as much room as you can, they can be blown off course suddenly by the wind your car creates.
Storms often bring down branches, roof tiles or other objects. Stay alert to avoid unexpected obstacles.
High winds can force you to pull over and stop your journey. Pack warm clothes, snacks, a torch and a portable phone charger so you're prepared.
It's important to stay alert when driving, especially during storms and winds. Make sure you're keeping an eye on what other drivers are doing and adjust your own driving if necessary.
How can I park safely during a storm?
Once you've reached your destination, think carefully about where you stop. Here are some things to keep in mind when parking during a storm:
- Don't park under trees, near buildings or structures that could fall.
- If you have a garage, move your car into it, minimising the risk of wind or flood damage.
Even in normal weather conditions, finding somewhere to park can be stressful. Read more here for tips on parking.
What should I do if my car breaks down during a storm?
There's a few important things to remember if you do find yourself broken down during a storm:
- If you're stranded in the middle of the road, put your hazard lights on so other drivers can easily see you.
- Avoid leaving the car unless there's somewhere safe to wait. Leaving the vehicle while the roads are dangerous or dark puts you at risk as a pedestrian.
- Call your breakdown service, or the emergency services if needed, and wait for them to arrive.
What should I do if there's flooding?
Storms often come with heavy rain and flooding. Here's what to do if you come across excessive water on the road:
Check for an alternative route: Before trying to drive through a flooded area, always check to see if there's a different route you can take. Only attempt to cross flooded roads as a last resort.
Stop and assess the situation: You can never be sure of the depth of water or the state of the road underneath without taking a close look. If you're crossing at a ford, there may be a water depth gauge at the side of the road. Also check the area for other hazards such as floating debris or downed power lines, where the electric current could be conducted by the water.
Check the depth: Avoid driving through standing water deeper than six inches - if it comes over your wellies, don't risk it. You should never drive through moving water deeper than four inches, in case your car is swept away.
Take care when passing other vehicles: Avoid following other drivers that could cause you to go off course. Large vehicles are especially dangerous as they can create waves that push the water higher than expected.
Aim for the highest part of the road: Usually the highest part of the road (the crown) will be in the middle, as most roads are designed to let water drain off the sides. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for hidden dips where the water could suddenly get deeper.
Park safely: Try to park on high ground, ideally at the top of a hill or slope.
Following these tips will help keep you safe during windy and stormy weather. Always remember to check the weather forecast when you're planning your journey.
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