Mayo motorists urged to take care as thunderstorm warning issued
The Road Safety Authority is advising road users across Mayo to take extra care after Met Éireann issued a Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, with the risk of torrential downpours and localised flooding.
The Yellow Thunderstorm warning covers Mayo, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo.
It came into effect at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, and remains in place until 6 p.m. on Friday, June 26.
Thunderstorms are expected to develop today, continue overnight, and persist into Friday.
Possible impacts include localised flooding, lightning damage, hail, gusty winds, and hazardous driving conditions.
Localised flooding is possible this evening and tomorrow across Connacht and beyond.
Intense downpours may cause roads, properties, and low-lying areas to flood rapidly and with little warning.
The thunderstorm warning follows an ongoing Yellow High Temperature Warning for the whole country, in place since 12 p.m. on Tuesday and continuing until 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Temperatures have exceeded 25 degrees this week and were forecast to reach as high as 30 degrees today.
Advice for motorists
The RSA is urging drivers to slow down and leave a greater braking distance between vehicles in wet conditions, particularly on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways, where the risk of aquaplaning increases.
Motorists are advised to take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, which generate considerable spray and reduce visibility, and to hold back until they can see the vehicle's mirrors.
Drivers who encounter a flooded road should choose another route rather than attempt to drive through it.
Flooded roads that look shallow may be deeper than they appear, verges may have subsided, and fallen trees or branches may not be visible.
The RSA is also asking motorists to follow recommended routes and obey any road closure signage put in place by local authorities or An Garda Síochána.
After driving through water, drivers should continue at a slow speed with light pressure on the brake pedal for a short distance to help dry the brakes. Dipped headlights should be used at all times.
Advice for pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users, and motorcyclists
Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic, where no footpath is available.
Cyclists should ensure they and their bikes are visible by using front and rear lights - white at the front, red at the back - and wearing bright or high-visibility clothing.
The RSA's message to all road users is to "Be Safe, Be Seen," with visibility reduced in poor weather conditions.
Further advice on severe weather driving is available on the RSA website, and weather updates can be found at met.ie.