RSA And Irish Coastguard Warning Everyone To Take Extreme Caution Today

Alana Laverty

Opening the curtains this morning to see trees blowing violently, rain pelting down and people running around with brollies.

It’s a miserable, miserable sight.

And we all must remember that weather conditions like these can often cause accidents and so The Road Safety Authority is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads today after Met Éireann issued an orange weather wind warning for coastal regions.

Gusts of 120 km/h can be expected – pure windy.

Yikes.

#StormBarbara already bringing heavy rain ???? and strong winds ???? in NW Britain with gusts of 55-85mph. ⚠️#beprepared pic.twitter.com/c542Y6mr6u

— Simon King (@SimonOKing) December 23, 2016

Wet & windy this morning as heavy rain spreads eastwards. A clearance to blustery showers follows from W in the afternoon. Highs of 11or12C

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 23, 2016

A yellow wind warning is also in place for the rest of the country with gusts of up to 90-110km/h expected.

So take extreme caution on roads today.

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.

They’ve issued the following advice for road users:

Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
Drive with dipped headlights at all times
Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
It takes longer to stop in wet conditions so slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front
Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h

With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA also has the following advice;

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 • After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes
Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding
Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic
Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects. Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists;
Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
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.
Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

The Irish Coastguard has also issued warnings:

“The simple safety message is: Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry”

The Coast Guard is requesting members of the public planning on engaging in any coastal activities to first check that it is safe to do and to be mindful of the risks and life threatening dangers that can arise without warning.

Those who intend on partaking in Christmas day swims should only do so in groups and take great care.

“Lone swimming should be avoided and all swimmers should be cognisant that time in the water should be kept to a minimum as even the most experienced of swimmers can easily succumb to cramp or cold water shock.”

If you see anybody having trouble in the water, along the coast or cliffs you should call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.