AA issues urgent warning after rescuing dozens of motorists from floods caused by Storm Ciaran
BRIT motorists have been issued an urgent warning from the AA as Storm Ciaran continues to ravage the country.
Torrential rain and high winds have caused disruption across the nation, and road-users have been advised to take necessary precautions.
The Met Office have already issued amber weather warnings – signifying a possible danger to life – across some areas, while others have seen schools closed and travel plunged into chaos thanks to the extreme conditions.
The AA is advising motorists to avoid driving in the worst-hit areas and to take extra care when navigating through hazardous conditions and floodwater on the road.
AA patrols have reportedly already had to rescue several dozen of motorists caught up on flooded roads due to the effects of the storm.
That includes one driver left stuck in flood water on a rural road in the Newbury area – who later required ambulance assistance for suspected hypothermia.
Nick Powell, who is AA Patrol of the Year, has advised drivers to consider whether they really need to make a journey while Storm Ciaran continues to cause travel chaos.
He said: “Driving conditions can quickly deteriorate during very heavy rainfall, with drains becoming swamped or blocked and standing water causing problems such as surface spray, reduced visibility and potentially leading to flooding.
“Just 60cm of standing water will float your car and 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move your car.
“If you must travel, check the travel news before you set off and take particular care where roads dip, for example under railway bridges, which are more likely to flood.
“If the road ahead is flooded, don’t chance it – flood water can be deceptively deep so turn around and find another route.”
This comes after the news that motorists suffering from flood damage to their cars from Storm Babet and Storm Ciaran may not be awarded insurance payouts.
Indeed, drivers on third-party insurance policies may even be forced to shell out for expensive repair costs themselves, according to an insurance expert from Compare the Market.
Meanwhile, a car expert has revealed his genius two-step maintenance tip that is said to be the easiest way to heat up your car quickly on chilly winter mornings.