Gardaí issue Warning to road users as Storm Gareth hits

Gardaí are asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads as Met Éireann have issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings for strong winds brought by Storm Gareth for the next 24 hours.

"Take extra care, check local weather and traffic conditions before setting out on a trip.

"High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds. "

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. • Drivers should allow extra space allow between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds. • Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice for Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists:

• 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.

An Orange Weather Warning is in place for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo from 12pm today (Tuesday) until 9am Wednesday.

Westerly winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 75 km/h with damaging gusts reaching 110 to 130 km/h. There is also the risk of coastal flooding due to high seas.

A Yellow Weather Warning is also in place for Ireland with Westerly winds reaching mean speeds of 50 to 65km/h and gusts of 90 to 110 km/h.

There is a risk of coastal flooding due to high seas along Atlantic coasts from 12pm Tuesday to 12pm Wednesday.