A national rainfall warning is in place for nine counties tomorrow.
Met Eireann issued the Status Yellow warning this afternoon, warning of a spell of heavy rain tomorrow morning leading to accumulations of 25-35mm with local spot flooding. The alert covers counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. It is valid until 3pm.
A separate warning from the Road Safety Authority was issued this evening, advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads tomorrow morning.
The RSA has issued the following advice
When driving in wet conditions drivers are reminded that;
It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance 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
Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
Drive with dipped headlights at all times
Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h
Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA 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 a high visibility jacket or reflective armband
Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
