Met Eireann have told Ireland to brace itself for heavy rain, snow and high winds across the weekend as Storm Eunice lands on Friday morning, hot on the heels of Storm Dudley.
Wednesday saw trampolines go flying, umbrellas being blown away and roads be treacherous as a result of the rain and winds that Dudley brought.
But forecasters have warned that the worst is yet to come, with three separate weather warnings in place around the island.
The potential of trees falling is one of the major risks for road users during these conditions, and both the Gardai and the Road Safety Authority have issued advice to motorists.
A couple of rules of the road do change in wet and windy weather, including one major one.
Gardai have stated that when in stormy conditions, drivers should be aware of the following:
- Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong crosswinds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
- Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds, so reduce your speed.
- Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
- Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as strong winds may blow them off course.
- Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions to avoid the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers should also leave a bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front. The usual two-second rule extends to four seconds in wet weather.
- 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. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
- Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
- After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
- Drive with dipped headlights at all times.
Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists:
- In areas affected by Orange Weather Warnings, you should consider postponing your journey until conditions improve.
- Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can 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, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.
- Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.
A Red Wind Warning is in place for Cork and Kerry, with winds that will reach mean speeds in excess of 80 km/h and gales in excess of 130 km/h. The Red Warning is in place from 3am Friday 18 February until 8am Friday 18 February. High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and should avoid travel during the storm window.
An Orange Storm Warning has been issued for Clare, Galway, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow, Laois, Offaly and Dublin for Friday morning from 3am until 11am Friday
An Orange Snow Warning has been issued for Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon from 3am Friday to 3pm Friday. Storm Eunice will bring heavy sleet and snow leading to blizzard-like conditions in parts with treacherous driving conditions.
