The band of rain sweeping the country from this evening until early Saturday. Screenshot Screenshot

ROAD USERS (AND everyone else, pretty much) are being advised to take extra care tomorrow as torrential rain has been forecast across the country.

Met Éireann is predicting as much as 35mm of rain to fall during Friday night and the early hours of the morning in Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, and Waterford, where a yellow warning in place.

Spot flooding is also expected.

However, a more serious orange warning is in place for Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.

The first specks of rain are starting to fall on the west coast. Screenshot Screenshot

In these areas between 35 to 50mm of rain will fall, and even as much as 70mm “on hilly ground and on mountains”.

“Widespread, very heavy rain, with some thundery downpours will develop Thursday night and persist through Friday,” Met Éireann’s forecast reads.

To sum up – you will really, really need an umbrella tomorrow.

Giphy Giphy

The Road Safety Authority is advising all road users to take “extra care” tomorrow.

Some of their advice includes:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
• 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 fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.

Their advice also states not to drive through flooded roads as it may be deeper than it appears.

Originally published 7.57pm

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