Severely heavy rain tomorrow likely to cause flooding

A spell of heavy rain tomorrow morning is likely to lead to accumulations of 25-35mm with local spot flooding.

Severely heavy rain is forecast throughout the county tomorrow.

RSA is urging motorists to drive with care.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roadstomorrow morning (Tuesday 28th June) following a yellow weather warning from Met Eireann for heavy rain. It is likely to lead to accumulations of 25-35mm rainfall with local spot flooding in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. The warning is in place from 3am to 3pm Tuesday 28 June 2016. 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.