Warnings for Irish motorists as Met Éireann issue Status Orange thunderstorm alert

The alert has changed from the Status Yellow issued this morning.

The Road Safety Authority has issued a warning to road users nationwide amid torrential conditions as Met Éireann put a Status Orange thunderstorm alert in place until 6:00 pm.

The RSA is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads amid the Orange weather warnings for Thunderstorms and very heavy showers.

There are expecting significant rainfall accumulations over a short period of time from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm today Tuesday, June 20.

Possible impacts are

• Flash flooding
• Very difficult travelling conditions with reduced visibility
• Power outages

The RSA is asking road users to check local weather and traffic conditions and be aware of the conditions before setting out on a trip this afternoon.

A Status Orange Thunderstorm Alert is now in place. 

Warning to motorists

The following advice is being given to road users on foot of the weather warnings.

Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of wet weather conditions.

This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is an increased danger of aquaplaning.

Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, and hold back to where you can see their mirrors.

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.

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.

After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.

Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists, and motorcyclists

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.

Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

Cyclists should ensure that they and their bikes 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 them be seen on their bikes, consider wearing high visibility material.

Header image via Getty

This article originally appeared on her.ie 

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