Driving in high winds and storms

Written by Olivier Duquesne on 02/17/2022

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Wind is a significant weather hazard when driving. As soon as it reaches 60 km/h, it can cause damage. Above 80 km/h, it becomes dangerous. Caution is therefore essential when driving.

The wind is dangerous in different aspects. It can cause damage to parked or moving vehicles. It can also cause loss of control. Especially since in the event of a storm, heavy rain is often added to gusts of wind. It is strongly recommended to avoid any travel during strong storms. In all cases, you must be extra careful by reducing your speed and increasing the safety distance. The behavior of the car, but also that of trees, poles and road signs, informs you about the strength of the wind and its direction (or its randomness). It is also important to inflate the tires correctly and remove any wind protection such as the roof box if it is not needed during the journey.

In strong winds, the main risk is the falling of trees or branches along the roads. As soon as wind speeds reach 70 km/h, parts of buildings can also break away. It is therefore important to avoid leaving your car parked in an area with possible falling tiles, cornices, branches, trees, etc. And above all, far from scaffolding and cranes. Gusts can also cause pedestrians or cyclists to fall in front of your vehicle.

From a wind of 90 km/h , driving becomes really dangerous. The car may be shifted or unbalanced. In addition, loss of control may be linked to aquaplaning due to rain and puddles that could form in certain areas. Rain (or snow) also reduces visibility.

  • Reduce your speed, respect temporary traffic bans and follow the diversions recommended by the authorities.
  • On the motorway, keep to the right in the first lane to maintain a “safety margin” if you are displaced.
  • Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands at all times. And don’t predict your ability to drive in high winds. Gusts and squalls can suddenly be very strong with changing trajectories.
  • Do not make sudden movements with the steering wheel and always look in the direction you want to go.
  • Try to stay a good distance from other vehicles to be able to react in time, and avoid overtaking.
  • If the trajectory deviates, slow down slightly and straighten the vehicle, focusing your gaze on the point to be reached.
  • Caution: when overtaking a truck or entering a tunnel, a pressure effect could push the car towards the heavy goods vehicle or the tunnel wall. And even “suck you in” without being able to find the right trajectory. So be extra vigilant.
  • Bridges are particularly dangerous in crosswinds. If there is a windsock, observe its behavior. Otherwise, rely on the vehicles in front of you and the poles.
  • Objects, such as bags, branches or pieces of street furniture, can be carried by the wind, fly away and hit your vehicle. Look carefully at what is happening in front of you and try to anticipate the movements of these objects and their danger.
  • People or objects may be out of control and blown towards your vehicle. Be prepared to brake or avoid them.
  • High voltage lines may be found on the track. Don’t approach them. Above all, do not cross them with your vehicle. Stay away from danger without getting out of your car (unless there is danger of a fall or fire affecting your vehicle) and call for help.
  • Avoid tree-lined roads. In the forest, when leaving the wooded area or arriving at a clearing, the car could be blown away by the side wind.
  • Near the coast or a large lake, be wary of waves which could overflow the dykes and protections. By touching your vehicle, they can not only blind you, but also drag you away. Avoid the seaside during storms.
  • In the mountains, driving rain combined with the wind can cause landslides. The winding road also makes it difficult to anticipate the direction of the wind. Vigilance is essential, even if it means adapting your itinerary.
  • With a hitch, be even more careful. Caravans and trailers are very sensitive to wind and can cause your car to rotate or overturn.
  • In case of winds above 100 km/h, it becomes really hazardous and dangerous to drive. Avoid any non-essential or vital travel. A gust of 120 km/h is capable of overturning a truck.