Amber weather warning for heavy rain in Oldham: Drivers urged to take care

An amber weather warning is in place until Thursday

Oldham's drivers are being urged to take extra care today (Tuesday) after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for heavy rain.

Only essential travel is permitted during the UK-wide lockdown, but those travelling for work, education, or essential supplies are being encouraged to be careful.

Jeremy Phillips, Head of Road User Safety at Highways England, said: "Most of us already slow down in snow, ice or fog but when it rains we consider it normal so don’t adapt our driving.
   
"Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision.
   
"We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys, with heavy rain expected over the coming days."

In wet weather you should:

• Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen and remember that stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.  
• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
• Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road

Heavy rain is expected for Oldham all day today (Tuesday) and continue for the next 36 hours.

The amber weather warning is expected to be lifted at midday on Thursday.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.