Storm Dave: will Easter travel be chaotic?

Easter travel outlook with Storm Dave

Easter weekend road travel in the UK is expected to be unusually difficult as Storm Dave brings strong winds, and motoring services RAC says millions of drivers are still expected to hit the motorways despite the forecast.

The key issue for travelers is not a complete shutdown of travel infrastructure, but conditions that can slow journeys and raise the likelihood of disruptions. High winds can affect driving safety—especially on exposed routes and for vehicles more vulnerable to gusts—and can also contribute to operational problems at service areas and on the road network.

This matters most for people planning cross-country trips during the holiday peak, when the road system is already under heavy demand. The RAC framing connects the weather warning directly to expected congestion, emphasizing that the roads are set to be at their busiest in several years.

Practical steps for travelers include:

• Start earlier than usual to avoid being caught in peak congestion.
• Check route and weather updates before departing, particularly for sections prone to wind.
• Allow extra time even if you don’t expect major cancellations.
• Be mindful of driving conditions (gusts, crosswinds, and stability on bridges and open stretches).

If you’re traveling by car this Easter, the biggest takeaway is that even with normal holiday traffic levels, weather-driven slowdowns can compound delays—making “on-time” plans harder to execute. Travelers should plan for variability and build in buffers for stops and contingencies.