Road users warned to be cautious as weekend storm approaches

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to exercise caution while using the roads this bank holiday weekend.

Met Éireann has issued Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Boelo approaches.

It will bring very strong south-west winds which will veer westerly with severe gusts and coastal gales and is also set to bring spells of very heavy and intense rain.

The storm could cause damage to homes and businesses, disruption and delays to public transport, flooding and very difficult travelling conditions.

There is a Status Orange rain warning for Kerry from 7:00a.m – 2:00p.m tomorrow, Saturday (October 24) where Storm Boelo will bring spells of very heavy and intense rain.

Possible impacts are very difficult travelling conditions, damage to homes and businesses and disruption and delays to public transport such as rail or buses.

Flooding is also expected as well as the possibility of outdoor events severely disrupted.

There is an Status Orange wind warning for Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo from 2:00p.m Saturday – 9:00a.m Sunday where Storm Boelo will bring gale force westerly winds with severe and damaging gusts.

There may be coastal flooding and very difficult travelling and cycling conditions.

The winds could lead to damage to already weakened structures, and to power lines leading to power outages.

There may also be disruption and delays to public transport (air, rail, bus, ferry); fallen trees; large coastal waves and debris; and loose objects displaced.

There is a Status Yellow rain warning for Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo from 4:00a.m – 3:00p.m Saturday where Storm Boelo will bring spells of heavy rain.

There may be difficult travelling condition with localised flooding possible. Outdoor events may be impacted.

There are Status Yellow wind warnings for Connacht, Clare, Kerry, Limerick from 1:00p.m Saturday until noon Sunday and for Donegal from 1:00p.m Saturday – 3:00p.m Sunday where very strong south-west winds will veer westerly with severe gusts and coastal gales.

There may be difficult travelling and cycling conditions. Outdoor events may be impacted.

There also may debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees and branches.

Advice for road users

Road users in areas affected by the Status 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:

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;

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;

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;

Be Safe. Be Seen . Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other 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;

Drivers