The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users in the East and South of the country to take extra care when using the roads as Met Éireann has issued Orange and Yellow Rain weather warnings of heavy and persistent rain on already saturated ground, leading to difficult travelling conditions, poor visibility and possible flooding.
here are also be strong and gusty northeasterly winds forecast.
The Orange Rain warning is for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow from 2pm Friday to 11am on Saturday where there will be significant rainfall accumulations, especially on high ground and exposed areas. This could lead to significant flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.
There are Yellow Rain Warnings for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford from 9am Friday to 9am Saturday and for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow from 11am Friday to 11am Saturday where there may be heavy and persistent rain falling on saturated ground. This could lead to flooding, difficult traveling conditions with poor visibility.
There are Yellow Wind Warnings for Dublin, Louth, Wexford and Wicklow from noon on Friday to 4am Saturday where there will be strong and gusty northeasterly winds. This could lead to
difficult travelling conditions and wind related debris
Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are recommended to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.
Where people have to use the roads the following advice is being given on foot of the weather warnings:
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Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance 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
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Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
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If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
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Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
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After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
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Drive with dipped headlights at all times.
Advice to road users e.g. pedestrians, cyclists , e-scooters and motorcyclists
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Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
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People cycling should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material.
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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.
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Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.
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.
Please also see severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion here.
See advice for driving on flooded roads here and some advice on driving in strong winds here.
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For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie