THE HIGHWAYS Agency is warning road users to be vigilant and to drive with extra care due to high winds and severe weather conditions forecast for this week. 

The agency has issued an amber alert to warn drivers of high winds of up to 70 mph in the South West from 6pm tomorrow (January14) until 6am on Thursday morning.

Coastal routes, bridges and exposed routes over high ground could see gusts up to 75 mph.

This afternoon all regions will experience wintry showers and sleet, with the risk of hail and snow in high grounds overnight.

Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

Live traffic information updates are available on the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic and the latest weather forecasts can be found at www.metoffice.gov.uk.