Drivers issued Storm Amy warning if they spot 'cluster of leaves' on road

This weekend, the UK is set to be hit by one of the first major storms of the autumn and winter season when Storm Amy brings high winds and torrential rain to large parts of the country.

Ahead of the weather system's arrival, the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for today (October 3), stating that “danger to life is likely” as the weather hits Northern Ireland first.

Once it hits the mainland UK, disruption is expected on trains, at airports, and on the roads. With the last of those in mind, Britain’s drivers have been warned about tricky conditions caused by Storm Amy.

One of the experts issuing advice to drivers on the matter is Select Car Leasing’s Graham Conway, who has told people to be wary of when nearby trees could be about to snap, collapse, and block the road.

He said: "Drivers should also be on the lookout for early warning signs that trees are under strain. If you notice smaller debris such as twigs, clusters of leaves or thin branches on the road, it could be a sign that larger, heavier pieces may soon follow.

“In exposed areas, or on rural roads lined with trees, that risk increases significantly."

Furthermore, Graham added that people should avoid driving altogether during the height of the storm, especially on tree-lined routes, if possible.

He explained: “Think carefully about where you park your car as well. Leaving it directly beneath large trees during high winds is asking for trouble.

“If you do come across a fallen tree blocking your route, don’t try to swerve around it or drive over the debris. The safest thing to do is stop, call for assistance and find an alternative route.

“It’s vital that motorists remain vigilant, slow down in high winds and respect the power of the storm. Taking a few sensible precautions could be the difference between completing a safe journey and facing an accident, expensive repairs, or worse.”

With the UK’s infrastructure and population braced for a strong autumnal storm, the Met Office has warned it will be “impactful” and could bring “damaging gusts”.

In a statement, Chief Forecaster for the Met Office Neil Armstrong said: “Storm Amy will be an impactful autumn storm for many in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though impacts will also spread to northwest England and Wales, as well as a more widespread windy period for the rest of the UK.

“Within the Amber warning areas, damaging gusts of around 100 mph are possible for a time on Friday evening for parts of western Scotland, especially Skye, Tiree, Barra and western Lochaber.

“This could lead to significant disruption, and brings the risk of power cuts and damage to buildings and trees. Elsewhere, gusts of 60-80 mph are expected more widely in the Amber warning areas, and slightly lower figures for those covered by Yellow warnings.”