19 September 2025
The AA is advising drivers to be cautious of spray and flooding, as the Met Office issues a Yellow weather covering large parts of the west and northern parts of the country.
The warning is in place between 0600 on Saturday 20 September, and 0600 on Sunday 21 September, in the following areas: parts of the East Midlands; North East England; North West England; SW Scotland; Wales; West Midlands; and Yorkshire and the Humber.
A band of rain, heavy at times, across Wales, northern England and southern Scotland is expected to remain slow-moving during Saturday morning before making erratic eastward progress, eventually clearing early on Sunday.
Around 20-30 mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely and there is a chance that 60-80 mm of rain could fall in places. As the area of rain clears east, a spell of strong north-westerly winds may develop later Saturday and Sunday morning, most likely towards North Sea coasts.
“Never attempt to drive through flood water. If your vehicle begins to aquaplane, gently ease off the accelerator to regain control.”
The AA is alerting drivers that spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
Shaun Jones, expert AA Patrol, said: “If travel is essential, drive at a reduced speed to suit the conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Allow extra time for your journey, as
delays are likely, and make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel or electric charge before setting off.
“During heavy rainfall, water can quickly accumulate on roads, leading to flash flooding. Just one incident can cause significant delays, so stay updated with local traffic reports and adjust your speed to suit the conditions. Never attempt to drive through flood water. If your vehicle begins to aquaplane, gently ease off the accelerator to regain control.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and download the AA app and what3words to help us get to you faster if the worse should happen.”
Live traffic updates are available at https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news
Wet weather
Rule 227
In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
- you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead
- if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands: Derbyshire
North East England: Darlington; Durham; Gateshead; Hartlepool; Middlesbrough; Newcastle upon Tyne; North Tyneside; Northumberland; Redcar and Cleveland; South Tyneside; Stockton-on-Tees; Sunderland
North West England: Blackburn with Darwen; Blackpool; Cheshire East; Cheshire West and Chester; Cumbria; Greater Manchester; Halton; Lancashire; Merseyside; Warrington
SW Scotland, Lothian Borders: Dumfries and Galloway; East Lothian; Scottish Borders
Wales: Bridgend; Carmarthenshire; Ceredigion; Conwy; Denbighshire; Flintshire; Gwynedd; Isle of Anglesey; Merthyr Tydfil; Neath Port Talbot; Pembrokeshire; Powys; Rhondda Cynon Taf; Swansea; Wrexham
West Midlands: Herefordshire; Shropshire; Staffordshire; Stoke-on-Trent; Telford and Wrekin
Yorkshire & Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire; North Yorkshire; South Yorkshire; West Yorkshire; York