Weather Warning

To all are friends out in West Munster and West Connacht who visit are website please becareful on the roads over the next 48 hours.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care using the roads as Met Eireann has issued a Weather Warning today Wednesday 16th November for heavy rain in West Munster and West Connacht. Some periods of very heavy rainfall are expected from Thursday morning through to Saturday morning with accumulations of up to 80mm expected leading to some flooding in places. Heaviest rainfall expected in the coastal counties of the West where coastal flooding is expected.  The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers 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, use the 4 second rule Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre tread fills with water Pedestrian, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be safe and be seen. Wear bright clothing with high visibility vest, reflective armbands or a reflective sam brown belt, you should also carry a torch Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths  With added risks posed 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
Further advice on using the road in severe weather can be found at the RSA’s website;