Someone driving their car on a busy road

Articles

Driving in high winds: safety tips, wind speeds and storm advice for drivers…

25 September 2026

4 minutes

All of our content is approved by our in-house experts

High winds can make driving more dangerous by affecting steering, braking and vehicle stability. If severe weather warnings are in place, consider delaying your journey. Drivers of vans, motorhomes, caravans and other high-sided vehicles should take extra care, as strong gusts can have a greater impact on vehicle control.

Avoid driving in winds above 50mph unless your journey is essential. If an amber or red Met Office warning is issued, stay off the roads.
High-sided vehicles, caravans and motorhomes are most vulnerable and should avoid travel in gusts above 40mph.
Reduce speed, keep both hands on the steering wheel and allow extra space around other road users.
Bridges, motorways and open stretches of road are the most exposed areas during a storm.
Only comprehensive car insurance covers storm damage to your own vehicle. Third party and third party, fire and theft policies do not.
Never drive through standing water deeper than six inches or moving water deeper than four inches.
Park in a garage or sheltered area away from trees, buildings and overhead structures.

Should I drive in high winds?

Consider driving if:

No severe weather warning is in place
Visibility is good
You can reduce speed safely

Avoid driving if:

Trees or debris are falling
Severe weather warnings have been issued
Flooding is affecting roads

How to drive safely in windy weather

If you can’t avoid driving during high winds, keep the following in mind:

1. Drive slowly
High winds affect handling and braking. Reduced speed helps you maintain control.

2. Watch out for exposed areas
Stretches of road which aren’t protected by buildings are susceptible to strong gusts.

3. Take care on smaller roads
Roads lined with buildings or trees can suffer side winds and wind tunnels

4. Hold firm
Keep the steering wheel firmly with both hands at all times.

5. Avoid overtaking
Passing large vehicles can result in a sudden gust or limit your control.

6. Allow more room
Give cyclists and other road users space, and keep extra distance from the vehicle in front.

7. Watch out for debris
High winds cause debris from trees and buildings to come loose and land on the road.

8. Pack supplies
Take warm clothing, snacks, drinks and a portable phone charger before setting off.

9. Be vigilant
During storms, keep an eye on what other drivers are doing.

10. Pay extra attention to…

High or exposed bridges

Vehicles towing caravans or trailers

Roof boxes or bicycle racks

What wind speed is dangerous for driving?

Wind Speed	Conditions	Guidance
30 to 40mph	Yellow	At this level, you’ll notice your car being pushed around, particularly on open stretches of road. Most drivers can manage by reducing speed and gripping the steering wheel firmly. Lighter vehicles may feel less stable, so take extra care.
40 to 50mph	Yellow warning likely	Driving becomes significantly more challenging. You may struggle to stay in lane, especially when overtaking or being overtaken by larger vehicles. The Met Office will typically issue a yellow weather warning at this level. Consider whether your journey is essential before setting off.
50mph and above	Amber / Red warning	Winds above 50mph are extremely dangerous for all road users. There is a serious risk of losing control of your vehicle, and debris such as fallen trees and loose objects is far more likely to be on the road. If an amber or red weather warning has been issued, avoid driving altogether unless it is an emergency.

Driving high-sided vehicles in high winds

High-sided vehicles such as lorries, vans and buses are particularly vulnerable in strong winds. Their large flat surfaces act like sails, making them susceptible to being blown off course or even tipping over. Give high-sided vehicles plenty of space, and be prepared for sudden movements from them, especially on exposed roads and bridges.

Can strong winds blow a car over?

In extreme conditions, vehicles can be blown over. The risk depends on vehicle type and wind speed.

Small cars are most vulnerable to crosswinds. Winds of 60mph or more can overturn them, but they can be pushed sideways across lanes at much lower speeds.
SUVs have a higher centre of gravity and a larger side profile, making them more susceptible to crosswinds than you might expect. Take extra care in gusts above 50mph.
Vans, especially when empty, are highly vulnerable. An unladen van has a large flat side. Consider adding weight to improve stability and reduce your speed significantly.
Caravans are among the most at-risk vehicles. If winds exceed 40mph, pull over and wait for conditions to improve.
Motorhomes catch the wind easily and can become difficult to control above 40 to 50mph. Always check the forecast and be prepared to delay your journey.

Bridges

Bridges are elevated and often lack the shelter provided by buildings, hedgerows or embankments. Wind speeds on a bridge can be significantly higher than on surrounding roads. Many bridges have wind speed indicators or electronic signs that will warn you of dangerous conditions. Always follow their guidance. In extreme cases, bridges may be closed to traffic entirely.

Motorways

Motorways are often built on elevated sections and through open countryside, leaving them exposed to crosswinds. The higher speeds involved make it harder to react to sudden gusts. If you are driving on a motorway in strong winds, reduce your speed, stay in the left-hand lane where possible and keep a greater distance from the vehicle ahead. Pay close attention to electronic overhead signs for warnings and speed restrictions.

Crosswinds

Crosswinds blow across the road rather than head-on, and they can push your vehicle sideways without warning. To manage crosswinds effectively:

Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel.
Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react.
Be especially cautious when passing gaps in hedgerows, buildings or barriers, as these can create sudden gusts.
Watch for other vehicles swerving or drifting, which may indicate a strong crosswind ahead.

Does car insurance cover storm damage?

If your car is damaged during a storm, whether or not you are covered depends on the type of car insurance policy you have.

What type of damage is typically covered?

Fallen trees: Generally covered under a comprehensive policy, regardless of whether the tree was on public or private land
Flying debris: Wheelie bins, fencing or loose objects blown by the wind are usually covered under a comprehensive policy, whether your car is parked or being driven.
Roof tiles: One of the most common causes of storm damage. Comprehensive cover typically pays for repairs to dents, scratches or a smashed windscreen.
Flood damage: Usually covered under comprehensive policies, though insurers may question a claim if you knowingly drove into deep floodwater.

To make a claim, take photos as soon as it is safe to do so. Keep a record of the date, time and weather conditions, and contact your insurer as soon as possible.

How can I park safely in windy weather?

If you’re not driving, or have reached the end of your journey, think carefully about where you park during a storm:

Avoid parking under trees, near buildings, telephone lines or other structures that could fall.
If you have a garage, move your car into it to minimise damage in the event of extreme winds or flooding.

What do I do if my car breaks down during a storm?

Put your hazard lights on so oncoming traffic can see you.
Avoid leaving the car unless there’s somewhere safe to wait. Leaving the vehicle while roads are dangerous 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 a flood in the road?

If the storm also causes flooding, follow these steps:

Find a different route
Always check if an alternative route is available. Only attempt to cross a flooded road as a last resort.
Stop and assess
Look for hazards such as floating debris or downed power lines.
Check the dept
Don’t drive through standing water deeper than six inches. Moving water deeper than four inches can sweep a car away.
Take care passing other vehicles
Large vehicles create waves that push water higher than expected.
Aim for the highest part of the road
The crown of the road is usually highest, as roads are designed to drain off the sides. Watch for hidden dips such as potholes or gullies.
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 check the forecast when planning your journey.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive in 50mph winds?

Driving in 50mph winds isn’t recommended unless your journey is absolutely essential. At this speed, you may struggle to keep your vehicle in lane, and there is a high risk of debris on the road. The Met Office will typically issue an amber weather warning. If you must drive, reduce your speed significantly, avoid exposed routes such as bridges and open motorways, and keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel. High-sided vehicles, motorcycles and cyclists should avoid travelling altogether.

Can strong winds damage my car?

Yes, strong winds can cause a range of damage to your car — even when it's parked. Common types of wind damage include:

Fallen trees and branches landing on your vehicle, causing dents, broken windscreens, or structural damage
Flying debris such as roof tiles, fencing, wheelie bins, and loose objects scratching paintwork or smashing windows
Loose trim and bodywork — very strong gusts can pull off wing mirrors, aerials, or roof rails, particularly on older vehicles
Flood damage — storms often bring heavy rain alongside wind, which can lead to water damage to your engine, electrics, and interior

To reduce the risk, park in a garage or sheltered area away from trees, buildings, and overhead structures whenever possible.

What should I do if a tree falls on my car?

If a tree falls on your car, stay calm and follow these steps:

Check for injuries — If you or your passengers are hurt, call 999 immediately.
Stay inside the vehicle if it's safer to do so, particularly if there are further hazards such as dangling branches or power lines nearby.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other road users.
Move to safety — Once it's safe, carefully exit the vehicle and move away from the tree and any overhead hazards.
Call the emergency services if the road is blocked or there's a risk to other drivers.
Document the damage — Take photos of the tree, your car, and the surrounding area as soon as it's safe.
Contact your insurer — If you have comprehensive cover, damage caused by a fallen tree is typically covered. Report the incident as soon as possible to start your claim.

Does car insurance cover storm damage to a car?

How do I drive in crosswinds?

Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times for maximum control
Reduce your speed: the slower you go, the more time you have to react to sudden gusts
Anticipate exposed areas: gaps in hedgerows, between buildings or at the end of bridges can create sudden blasts of crosswind
Watch other vehicles: if you see cars ahead swerving or drifting, it is a sign of strong crosswinds
Give extra space to high-sided vehicles: lorries, vans and buses can be blown into your lane without warning
Avoid overtaking unless absolutely necessary, as moving into an exposed lane increases your vulnerability

Should I drive during a Met Office weather warning?

It depends on the level of warning issued:

Yellow warning: Be aware. Travel is usually still possible, but expect some disruption. Allow extra time, reduce speed and stay alert.
Amber warning: Think carefully. There is a higher likelihood of dangerous conditions and road closures. Only drive if your journey is essential.
Red warning: Do not travel. A red warning means there is a danger to life. Do not drive under any circumstances unless directed by the emergency services.

Always check the latest Met Office forecast before setting off, and be prepared to delay or cancel your journey if conditions worsen.

Can wind affect electric vehicles?

Yes, strong winds can affect electric vehicles (EVs) in several ways:

Reduced range: driving into a headwind increases aerodynamic drag, meaning your battery will drain faster than usual
Crosswind sensitivity: some EVs, particularly electric SUVs and vans, have a taller, boxier profile that makes them more susceptible to crosswinds
Regenerative braking: in gusty conditions, regenerative braking can help recover some energy, but overall efficiency will still be lower
Planning ahead: plan your route with charging stops in mind, as your range may be reduced by 10 to 20 per cent or more depending on wind strength

The same safe driving principles apply to EVs as to any other vehicle: reduce your speed, keep both hands on the wheel and avoid exposed routes where possible.