Dublin braced for impact of Storm Francis

A YELLOW Weather Warning has been issued for Dublin ahead of the arrival of Storm Francis

Heavy rain with the potential for flash floods is forecast for tonight as Storm Francis makes landfall.

A status orange warning comes into effect at 9pm on Monday for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford. The rest of the country will be under a yellow rainfall warning.

A yellow alert will also be in place on Tuesday morning for strong winds in Munster, Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin as Storm Francis moves across the country.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next few days.

Drivers are being warned that on top of recent heavy rainfall and severe winds this has the potential to make road conditions even more hazardous so please exercise caution when using the roads over the next 24 hours.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warnings for heavy rain are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Drivers need to slow down and leave a bigger space between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are urged to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.