The Highways Agency is advising road users to be cautious as strong winds are forecast across much of England on Friday.

The Agency has issued an amber alert, warning drivers in the North East and North West that high winds are forecast until at least 3pm on Friday.

Road users driving high-sided vehicles, riding motorcycles or towing caravans are being urged to check traffic and weather conditions before setting out on journeys and to heed any advice such as speed restrictions once they are on the strategic road network.

The Highways Agency, in conjunction with the Met Office, are strongly advising that these types of vehicles avoid, if at all possible, the following sections during the severe weather alert:

North West M53 J1-J2 Wallasey to Birkenhead

M6 J20-J21 Thelwall Viaduct

M6 J36-J45 through Cumbria

M60 J10-J12 Barton Bridge through to M62 M62 J18 - J27

Between Manchester and Leeds M61 J4-J5 J5

Westhoughton M61 J9 / M65 J1 Interchange A56 Between M65 and A680 at Edenfield

M65 J3-J4 Withnell and Blackburn Interchange A66 Between M6 J40 - A1 (Scotch Corner) A69