RSA calls on road users to exercise 'extreme caution' during Storm Ellen

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the next few days as Met. Éireann has issued Red, Orange and Yellow weather warnings for strong winds and heavy rain.

Met. Éireann has issued an Orange Wind weather warning for Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Mayo and Waterford from 9 p.m. today to 12 noon on Thursday.

A Status Red wind warning is in place for Co Cork.

Storm Ellen will track over Ireland on Wednesday night and during Thursday bringing a period of severe and potentially damaging winds.

It will also be associated with heavy rain bringing a risk of flooding.

Due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds there is a potential risk of coastal flooding.

A yellow weather warning is also in place for Ireland from 9 p.m. today (Wednesday) and all day Thursday.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

The following advice is being given to road users.

Advice to Motorists

• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

• Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.

• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.

• Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

• Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, to avoid the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers should also leave a bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.

• 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. They may also have 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.

• 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 is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can 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, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.

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

• Cyclist 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 such as bright and light reflective items.

Met Éireann has said there is particular concern for people who may be camping in Munster as an Orange weather alert has been issued ahead of Storm Ellen.

The storm will hit Kerry and Cork tonight and move up along the country.

Head of Forecasting Evelyn Cusack said it is a serious storm and these two counties and Co. Clare in particular are likely to experience coastal flooding as a result of very heavy rain.

She said all areas are at risk from the high impact storm and the country is in for a very unsettled spell of weather from this tonight, tomorrow and Friday, with the possibility of some high impact wind and rain at times.

She said while the storm will pass by late tonight, the further bad weather will increase the risk of flooding tomorrow along the east coast with a Status Red warning in place for coastal areas.

Ms. Cusack told RTÉ News Storm Ellen is being fuelled by remnants of Hurricane Kyle.

Met Éireann has warned that due to the combination of storm surge, spring tides and onshore winds there is a potential risk of coastal flooding.

The Irish Coast Guard said that beginning this afternoon there will be a period of very high spring tides approaching the Highest Astronomical Tide in all coastal areas until Sunday.

Astronomical tides are an infrequent occurrence, it said, and along with the strong winds forecast it is urging people to take extreme care in coastal locations.

The Coast Guard said people should also be aware of the risk of becoming isolated during low tides, particularly in areas which are not always accessible.