As I left a work meeting in Leeds at 3pm this afternoon, I heard the news about the 100mph hurricane gales hitting Wales and heading north east.

Given I was heading north west, I had to choose either the M62-M6-M74 via Manchester, or the higher snowrisk Scotch Corner A1M-A66-M6-M74. Luckily I chose the latter, as accidents and high winds closed both the M62 and M6 while I was half way across the country on the A66 looking at this view.

Driving along looking out the window for signs of adverse weather, made me feel a bit like one of those American twister chaser vans you see on TV.

I ended up on the M6 at Penrith about 5pm, an hour or so ahead of the strong winds. I felt quite lucky to be moving along steadily towards home, with just the minor inconvenience of rain, sleet, and standing water to contend with.