It’s the first time that both have been shut due to high winds
The Severn Bridge and Prince of Wales Bridge were closed in both directions on Friday morning due to Storm Eunice.
It’s understood to be the first time that both bridges leading in and out of South Wales have been shut at the same time.
Wind speeds of up to 100mph are expected by the Met Office, which has issued a rare red weather warning and potential danger to life as Storm Eunice hits south Wales.
Conditions have led to disruption on the roads.
An HGV lorry overturned on the M4 Westbound between J37 Pyle and J38 Groes, with a two-lane closure as traffic officers cleared the road.
The storm has also hit rail travel, with Transport for Wales cancelling all trains, and people have been advised to stay indoors and not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
The Welsh Government’s traffic information service, Traffic Wales South, has warned of poor driving conditions throughout the region due to extremely high winds. The Earlswood bridge near Port Talbot was also closed on Friday morning.
Rhys Williams, regional operations manager of the Road Haulage Association gave advice to motorists encountering high sided vehicles. He said: “People don’t like being stuck behind a HGV but please take great caution passing one.
“When overtaking in these conditions you need to give a lot more room before overtaking due to the suction effect that the wind causes. Hold back, and only pass if you really do need to.”
It is the first red weather warning caused by wind since March 2018.
National Highways head of road safety, Jeremy Phillips, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.
“Drivers of other vehicles should be aware of sudden gusts of wind which can affect handling and braking, and give high-sided vehicles, caravans, and motorbikes plenty of space.”
Cardiff Council have said that teams are on standby to deal with emergency calls relating to road closures and any potential flooding. Staff have also been mobilised and are on standby to respond to call-outs to clear fallen trees.
