Motorists have been urged to be prepared as Storm Kathleen is set to batter the county tomorrow (April 6).

National Highways has advised people to take care on the roads, as the storm is expected to bring high winds to the west of the UK.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind, which covers coastal areas of the county, including Blackpool, Fleetwood and Lancaster. In Lancashire, wind gusts are expected to reach speeds of 46mph with rain and clouds expected.

The warning is in force from 8am until 10am. Gusts of 50-60 mph are expected in other parts of the UK within the warning area, with the possibility of 70 mph gusts in exposed coastal locations, especially in eastern Northern Ireland.

Chief meteorologist, Dan Suri, said: “Storm Kathleen will bring strong gusty winds to western areas of the UK through Saturday. Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are expected quite widely, while some exposed spots, particularly in coastal Northern Ireland, will see 60 to 70 mph gusts with large waves also expected.

“There will also be some blustery showers in the west with the eastern side of the UK seeing a drier and brighter day. With the winds coming from the south, some unseasonably warm air will be drawn across parts of the UK. When combined with sunny spells in East Anglia we could see temperatures reaching 21°C or 22°C for a time on Saturday.

"These temperatures are well above average for the time of year and the highest we’ve seen in the UK since last October.”

The Met Office says the following could happen: 

  • Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible 
  • Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs 
  • Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible 
  • Some roads and bridges may close 
  • Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage 
  • Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. 

National Highways say in high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible. 

Dale Hipkiss, national network manager at National Highways, said: “With the arrival of Storm Kathleen it is important to plan ahead for your journey, and if weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care. 

“Our website provides practical advice for travelling in storms, high winds and gales. It’s also a good idea for people to remember TRIP – top-up your vehicle, rest every two hours, inspect tyres and lights and prepare for the journey ahead. 

“We constantly monitor wind speeds, particularly around bridges and exposed routes, and will always endeavour to keep them open as long as it is safe to do so. In the kind of conditions we are expecting this weekend, please check the route your route before setting off."