MOTORISTS ARE BEING urged to take care on the roads overnight due to the risk of flooding.

Earlier today, a Met Éireann warning was put in place, saying that Munster, Connacht and Leinster can expect heavy rain over the next few days, while Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal can expect snow and ice.

Dublin has been officially warned to expect 25mm of rain, but Fine Gael Cllr Kieran Binchy said this may be upgraded to as much as 40mm, though this has not yet been confirmed.

Binchy said that the council has  a number of plans in place, including drainage teams who are attending certain gullies that are at risk, while sandbags are prepared and can be easily accessed if needed.

Road safety

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users to take particular care on the roads following the of prolonged showers which will give rise to some spot flooding.

Especially at risk are Eastern coastal areas due to strong to gale force East to Southeast winds, while tomorrow will bring further spells of heavy rain and strong winds especially over Leinster and Ulster.

The RSA said that when driving in wet and windy conditions, drivers should be aware:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• 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
• 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 100 km/h and 120 km/h roads.
• Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm

The RSA also said that if the road ahead is flooded, choose another route and do not attempt to drive through it. After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance to help dry the brakes.

Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to wear a high visibility jacket or reflective armband and take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions.

More information can be found in the RSA’s publication Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’.

Read: Bad weather ahead as weather warnings come into effect>

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