Roads weather alert

The Road Safety Authority, is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads, as Met Éireann have issued an Orange weather warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo and Clare until tomorrow night.

Southerly winds veering southwest of mean speeds of 60 to 65km/h gusting 100 to 110km/h are expected, with stronger winds of mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h, with gusts of 120km/h at times between 4pm and 9pm.

The RSA is asking road users to take extra care in these strong winds and have issued the following advice:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. 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

• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists

• Drive with dipped headlights at all times

• Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling

Advice to pedestrians and cyclists:
• 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, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie