How the Met Office helps millions of drivers stay safe on England's busiest roads

Day-to-day, and during extreme weather events in the UK, a unique partnership between the Met Office and National Highways works around the clock to keep traffic flowing safely on England's motorways and major A-roads. This article explores why the partnership is so important, and how it makes a difference. 

Each new year, millions face the daily challenge of navigating winter roads. In the second week of 2026,  Storm Goretti swept across the UK, bringing a multi-hazard event with exceptionally strong winds, heavy snowfall, significant rainfall, and a rare Red Warning. 

The Met Office worked closely with National Highways during storm Goretti, a partnership that came to be thanks to wintry weather more than a decade ago. A severe snow event on the M11 on Thursday, January 30, 2003, highlighted just how critical accurate, real-time weather information is. Snow fell intensely during the evening rush hour on that day with many motorists trapped in their vehicles overnight and into Friday morning.  

That incident made it clear that closer coordination between weather experts and road operators was essential. The resulting partnership has continued through the creation of the National Traffic Operations Centre (NTOC) near Birmingham, where Met Office embedded forecasters now provide specialist weather intelligence that directly influences how the country's motorways and major A-roads are managed.  

Why weather matters on the road  

National Highways manages 4,500 miles of motorways and major A-roads across England. While this represents just 2% of the country's road network, it carries a third of all traffic and more than two-thirds of all heavy goods vehicle movements. Any disruption to this network has significant consequences.   

"Our close working relationship with the Met Office is vital to how we manage the strategic road network. Weather impacts don't stop at winter. Throughout the year we respond to everything from heavy rain and extreme heat to strong winds and fog. Snow and ice present particular challenges, but the intelligence we receive from Met Office embedded forecasters allows us to plan and respond effectively in all conditions. Winter can throw all sorts at us, but our dedicated teams will be out day and night to keep roads clear and traffic moving."  - Dale Hipkiss National Duty Manager, National Highways.  

Met Office embedded forecasters  

The team works at NTOC throughout the winter season, from October to April. Rather than operating remotely, they sit alongside National Highways' National Duty Managers and National Incident Liaison Officers, monitoring events unfold across the network in real time. They provide immediate weather guidance and keep operational teams updated on impactful weather conditions.   

Twice daily, the embedded forecasters produce detailed and tailored 10-day forecasts and hold conferences with National Highways' seven regional areas.   

When severe weather events unfold, our forecasters provide crucial weather intelligence. If there's an oil spill requiring emergency resurfacing, they can advise how temperatures or rain might affect curing times. If lane closures need to be safely removed, they can assess whether fog might complicate the operation.  

“Winter conditions can change rapidly, and being embedded here means we can respond just as quickly. This is what I love about this role: seeing how the forecast translates directly into decisions that keep people safe. When I highlight a weather risk to the road network, I can support and watch the response happen in real time,” - Mike Bench, Met Office Embedded Forecaster at National Highways.   

Weather and technology  

Across the strategic road network, weather sensors are positioned to enable us to monitor conditions. Some are buried into the road surface, measuring road surface and sub-surface temperatures, rainfall, wind speeds and visibility. Certain sensors even measure salt levels, helping to calculate the temperature at which road treatment remains effective.  

Network-wide CCTV provides visual confirmation of conditions on the ground as they happen. Combined with the full suite of forecasting tools, this gives our embedded team an unparalleled view of how weather is affecting England's busiest roads.  

Why road weather is different  

Road surface temperatures often behave quite differently from air temperatures, and understanding this challenging distinction is critical for effective road treatment planning.  

Snow is particularly challenging to predict as heavy rain can bring snow to lower elevations than light rain. Often, a difference of just 0.1°C determines whether precipitation falls as rain or accumulating snow.  

Local conditions also add further complexity. Higher routes are more susceptible to snowfall, while low-lying routes tend to be foggier. Hills, bridges and coastal areas tend to be windier than lower inland locations. The M48 Severn Crossing for example frequently experiences a funnelling effect, producing much stronger winds than the surrounding land. This sometimes leads to closures of the crossing while conditions either side remain relatively calm.  

Weather intelligence shapes operational decisions  

If heavy rainfall is forecast, National Highways teams check and clear gulleys and drains in areas prone to problems. When strong winds are predicted, tree surgeons are placed on standby and the Road Haulage Association is informed so hauliers can replan routes or select more appropriate trailers. Snow forecasts see recovery vehicles pre-positioned near inclines, ready to assist any heavy goods vehicles that lose traction.  

Staffing levels can be adjusted based on expected conditions. Electronic message signs across the network warn drivers of severe weather approaching in the coming days. Bridge restrictions are also considered when forecasts identify particular risks.  

Staying safe this winter  

"We're reminding every driver to do their bit by following National Highways' seasonal T.R.I.P. guidance being prepared for winter weather, not caught out by it.  Things like checking your vehicle before leaving and packing a winter emergency kit can help drivers stay safe when faced with snow, ice, or heavy rain." - Dale Hipkiss National Duty Manager, National Highways.  

The acronym T.R.I.P. promotes four simple steps to prepare drivers using motorways and major A-roads this winter: 

• Top-up: Fuel, oil, and screen wash 

• Rest: Plan regular stops every two hours to avoid driver fatigue 

• Inspect: Check tyre pressure and tread 

• Prepare: Have a plan for severe weather conditions 

As we head deeper into the winter months, there are simple steps everyone can take to travel safely:  

• Check the Met Office app or website for the latest forecasts and weather warnings before setting out on any journey  

• Allow extra time for journeys when winter weather is forecast  

• Ensure your vehicle is prepared for cold conditions  

For more tips on staying safe in severe weather, visit the Met Office's WeatherReady advice and National Highways' Severe Weather pages.