Driving in strong wind: Tips for staying safe
Driving in strong winds can be dangerous. Learn how to prepare your car, drive safely, and handle sudden storms to better stay in control on the road.
Key points
- Check weather warnings before travelling—if there’s a red alert, avoid driving unless absolutely necessary.
- Before setting off, check your tyres, wipers, and roof racks to help your car handle windy conditions.
- Strong winds can make driving unpredictable, especially on open roads and near large vehicles.
- Hold the wheel firmly, drive slowly, and stay alert for sudden gusts, debris, and swaying vehicles.
Strong winds can make driving more difficult and dangerous. Gusts can push your car off course, make it harder to steer, and blow debris onto the road.
If you need to drive in windy conditions, here’s some things you can do to try and stay safe on the road.
Preparing to drive in strong winds
Before you set off, make sure your car is ready to handle strong winds.
Avoiding driving would be ideal, but if you must travel, you should prep your car to handle strong winds.
- Check your tyres. Tyres with good tread and the right pressure help you grip the road better.
- Test your wipers and lights. Wind can carry rain or dust, making it harder to see, so it’s important these are working properly.
- Secure any roof racks. You should also take down anything you have attached to them, as these can catch the wind and come loose.
Understanding wind warnings and alerts
Not all windy weather is dangerous, but some conditions can make driving risky. The Met Office issues weather warnings to help you decide whether it’s safe to travel.
- Yellow warning: Be aware. There’s a chance of travel delays or disruption. Because yellow warnings cover a broad range of conditions, it’s important to check the full details to understand the specific risks in your area.
- Amber warning: Be prepared. Disruption is more likely, and conditions could be hazardous. It’s worth considering a change of plans and taking steps to help keep yourself, your family and others safe.
- Red warning: Take action. Dangerous weather is expected, with severe impacts very likely. You should avoid travelling, secure property if needed, and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities. Footnote [1]
Before you set off, check the forecast. If there’s a yellow or amber warning, consider delaying your journey or choosing a safer route. If there’s a red warning, it’s safest not to drive at all.
How to drive in strong winds
Strong winds can make driving unpredictable, especially on open roads or when passing large vehicles. To stay safe, drive with extra care.
Keep both hands on the wheel
Holding the wheel firmly helps you stay in control if a sudden gust hits. Wind can push your car sideways, so a strong grip lets you correct your course quickly.
Be alert
Pay close attention to your surroundings. Wind can blow debris onto the road, push other vehicles around, or even knock over trees or power lines. Keep an eye on high-sided vehicles, cyclists, and motorcyclists, as they can be blown around more easily.
Be cautious on open roads and exposed areas
Wind is strongest in wide, open spaces like motorways, fields, and coastal roads. Keep your speed steady, watch for swaying trees and signs, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Take extra care on bridges and high ground
Crosswinds can be especially strong on bridges and hills, where there’s no shelter. Slow down, hold the wheel firmly, and be prepared for a sudden push as you cross open stretches.
Beware of large vehicles
Lorries and buses create wind tunnels, which can make your car feel like it’s being pulled or pushed as you pass them. Give them extra space, avoid staying alongside them, and be ready for a gust when you overtake.
Prepare for sudden gusts
Wind isn’t always steady; it can come in bursts, especially when you drive out of a sheltered area. Keep a firm grip on the wheel and avoid sudden steering movements.
If a gust hits you, steer gently to correct your position.
Drive slowly
Slowing down gives you more time to react to unexpected situations. If a sudden gust pushes your vehicle, a lower speed makes it easier to correct your position.
A lower speed also helps your tyres grip the road better, reducing the risk of skidding.
Take greater care in wet and windy conditions
Wind often brings rain, making roads slippery.
If the road is wet, increase your following distance, avoid harsh braking, and watch out for standing water that could cause aquaplaning.
Be careful overtaking
When you pass lorries, buses, or other large vehicles, the wind can suddenly push or pull your car. Give them extra space, avoid sharp steering movements, and be ready for changes in wind force.
Be careful with your doors
In very strong winds, vehicle doors can fly open suddenly. Before opening your doors, check carefully to see if there’s anything around your car or approaching and hold tightly onto the door when getting in and out.
What to do if your car is blown off course
If a strong gust of wind pushes your car sideways, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Hold the wheel firmly. Keep both hands on the wheel and steer gently to correct your position.
- Ease off the accelerator. Don’t brake suddenly; instead, slow down gradually until you regain control.
- Steer smoothly and gently, as sudden or sharp movements can make things worse.
- Check your surroundings. If you're blown towards another lane, check for other vehicles before steering back.
When is it too windy to drive a car?
Check weather forecasts before you travel, and if a yellow, amber, or red weather warning is in place for strong winds, consider postponing your journey.
High-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes are at greater risk of tipping over in strong winds. If you drive one of these, take extra caution in windy weather or delay your trip.
What to do if you're caught in extreme winds
Sometimes, conditions can get worse while you’re already on the road.
If you find yourself driving through extreme wind, follow these steps:
- Slow down. This helps you to stay in control of your vehicle and gives you more time to react.
- Find a safe place to stop. If driving becomes unsafe, look for a sheltered area, such as a petrol station or rest stop, and wait it out. Avoid stopping under trees or power lines.
- Check the weather forecast. Use your phone or car radio to get real-time updates on the storm’s progress and when it’s safe to continue. Footnote [2]
What to do if your car breaks down?
If your car breaks down in strong winds, follow these steps to stay safe:
- Move off the road, if possible, and park somewhere safe. Avoid stopping under trees, near power lines, or on exposed bridges.
- Turn on your hazard lights to make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle.
- Call for help. Contact roadside assistance or your breakdown cover provider to get help as quickly as possible. If you don’t have cover, consider arranging a policy to make future breakdowns less stressful.
- Be cautious when leaving your car. If you must get out, do so carefully and stand well away from traffic. Wind can make opening your doors difficult and they might fly open, so hold them firmly.
Does car insurance cover damage caused by strong winds?
If your car is damaged during strong winds, whether you're covered depends on your car insurance policy.
- Comprehensive car insurance will usually cover wind-related damage, including fallen trees, debris, or damage caused by another vehicle being blown into yours.
- Third Party, Fire & Theft insurance does not cover accidental damage to your own car. It only covers damage you cause to other people’s vehicles or property, and protects your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
If you’re unsure what your policy includes, check the details or contact your insurer.
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