DRIVERS are being advised by the Highways Agency to take extra care on the roads as the Met Office is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds during Tuesday and Wednesday.

Heavy and persistent rain is expected to move in across England and Wales from the South-West on Monday night with the heaviest and most widespread rain likely on Tuesday.

Western areas are likely to be worst affected, but the Met Office's severe weather warning currently applies to all parts of the UK. Holidaymakers and people travelling for work on Tuesday are all advised to take extra care.

The Met Office predicts that South or South-West winds will become strong, especially across England and Wales, and could gust to 50mph in places and up to 60mph on exposed coasts.

A further area of heavy rain may move north east on Wednesday.

Road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists and anyone driving a high-sided vehicle or towing a caravan or trailer, are reminded to check the forecast before they travel, and to make sure they are prepared for rain or strong winds to affect their journey.

High-sided vehicles, caravans and trailers may be affected by gusts of wind.

Motorcyclists may be additionally affected by turbulence caused by large vehicles, so keep well back when overtaking high-sided vehicles.

All drivers should take care in exposed locations where high winds are likely and slow down and pull over at the next safe stopping place if the weather becomes severe.

Rain and spray can reduce visibility and more than double the distance it takes to stop, so drivers are advised to use headlights and maintain a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.

If water on the road is reducing grip and making steering unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.