Drivers in Staffordshire warned to take care as 48mph gusts expected

Drivers in Staffordshire are being warned to take care in high winds, with gusts of 48mph expected on Sunday.

The gusts are expected to be the same as those seen on Friday, when a yellow weather warning for wind was in place.

Drivers are being urged to be prepared for possible delays caused by fallen trees, branches and other debris.

Staffordshire County Council says its highways crews are on hand to deal with any issues on the roads, including removing downed trees and branches.

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said: "Our highways crews are on standby and ready to respond to fallen trees, branches and other debris that strong winds could bring onto our roads. We know how disruptive bad weather can be for people travelling to work, getting children to school or making other essential journeys, and our priority is to keep people safe and keep disruption to a minimum."

He also said: "Our crews are prepared to deal with hazards as they arise and clear affected roads as quickly as conditions allow. In severe weather, that work can be challenging, and the safety of our crews and everyone using the roads must come first. We appreciate people's patience and understanding while our teams work to make roads safe and keep Staffordshire moving."

People are being reminded to use the county council's ReportIt system to report any issues on the highways network.

Preparing for winter

The warning comes as the county council says its gritting crews are on standby for the winter season.

In an announcement on 19th October, it said the third week in October is traditionally the start of winter in gritting terms.

Crews now receive live weather updates, and winter decision makers decide when to send out the gritting crews and hill contractors.

Earlier this month, crews put their machines through their paces and tested their routes, including 11 brand new machines.

The county council says road surface temperatures will be monitored closely from now until the end of April, and crews will go out if temperatures drop below freezing.

Hill contractors will also be ready to help grit higher ground where traditional gritting machines can't reach.

Mr Mason said: "The weather might be relatively mild now, but winter weather can arrive quickly and conditions can be very different from one part of Staffordshire to another. That is why we plan ahead, use detailed forecasts and keep a close eye on road temperatures. Our crews, vehicles and salt supplies are ready, so we can act promptly to help keep people travelling safely when freezing conditions are forecast."

He also said: "When snow reaches Staffordshire's highest and most rural roads, our local contractors provide the extra support needed to tackle routes beyond the reach of our main fleet. Working alongside our gritting crews, they help us respond across the county and keep these communities connected when the weather is at its worst."

What's ahead

Highways crews are on standby to clear hazards as conditions allow.

The gritting season is under way, with crews and hill contractors ready to go out when freezing weather is forecast.

Road temperatures will be monitored until the end of Apri 2027.

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