Tag Archives: Met Éireann

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), has today (Monday) issued a reminder to all road users to continue to exercise caution when using the roads. Even though weather conditions have improved, road conditions in parts of the country are still hazardous due to the continued presence of flooding on roads. There is also the added danger posed by storm damaged road surfaces and gravel / stones deposited by surface water, especially on regional roads. The RSA advises the following: Driver behaviour needs to match the road conditions on roads. Debris deposited by the recent rainwater (surface run off) and wet roads will reduce grip so drivers are asked to slow down and increase braking distances, by leaving a bigger gap between vehicles. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded roads as stranded cars are causing obstruction and a hazard in some locations. Pay attention to any advice or signage that either the local authorities or the gardaí have in place for road closures …

As Storm Frank approaches, the Clare Emergency Coordination Group has advised members of the public against all unnecessary travel overnight tonight (Tuesday) due to forecast severe weather. Land, home and business owners, particularly those in low lying coastal areas and flood prone locations, are being advised to take precautionary steps in light of the heightened flood risk posed by a combination of strong gale to storm force winds, a large sea swell, high tides and already saturated ground. 20-30mm of rainfall was recorded across County Clare during Monday, with a further 25-35mm forecast by Met Éireann from this afternoon until late Wednesday morning. Clare County Council says standard operating and response procedures are in place in the event of flooding incidents occurring. An out-of-hours emergency number (087-4169496) is in operation to deal with requests for assistance from the public in relation to incidences of flooding. Clare County Council says a dedicated Emergency Helpline will be established should there be an escalation in the number of calls received. Clare …

A prolonged period of strong winds and high seas over the next few days has led to the Coast Guard issuing an appeal to members of the public to exercise caution. Chris Reynolds director of the Coast Guard said that the storm has the potential to lead to a loss of life. “We have had a number of deaths this year when members of the public who would not have been used to being on exposed rocks or piers are suddenly overwhelmed by a wave and pulled into the sea. There are no rogue waves, only unpredictable ones. So please exercise extreme caution over the next 36 hours particularly if you are with young children. Our message is ’Stay back, stay high and stay dry’.” The Coast Guard have issued a storm warning to all vessels off the West and South coast advising them to seek shelter. The National Maritime Operations Centre has also contacted the Spanish Coast Guard to ensure …

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 …

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has renewed its appeal to users to take extra care on the roads as Met Éireann have issued an ORANGE weather warning for counties Clare, Kerry and Cork. Prolonged falls of very heavy is rain expected overnight today (Friday) and during Saturday, with totals of 30 to 50mm, larger totals on higher ground. Further 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, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice). Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright …

The National Co-ordination Group for Severe Weather Emergencies has met to assess the current weather forecast and flood threats. The group will meet again shortly to review the situation. Met Éireann has issued a series of severe weather warnings for the weekend. Extremely heavy and prolonged rainfall is forecast for West, Mid-West and North West regions on Friday night and all through Saturday. Met Éireann has issued a number of severe weather warnings for the weekend. A RED rainfall warning has been issued for Connacht, Donegal, Clare and Kerry, with accumulations in excess of 70mm expected (valid Friday from 6pm until Sunday at 3am. These levels of rainfall are expected to give rise to local flooding, possibly severe, in some areas and which may block roads and affect transport infrastructure. A level ORANGE rainfall warning is in operation for Cavan, Clare, Cork and Limerick (valid Friday from 9pm until Sunday at 3am), and high winds are expected across the country with a level ORANGE wind warning is in operation for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and …

Clare County Council is warning the public to remain indoors where possible this afternoon (Tuesday) due to forecast strong winds. Met Éireann has issued an Orange Alert for Clare, the second highest level of alert that the agency can issue. From midday mean west to southwest winds of 60-75km/hr, with gusts of up to 120km/hr, are forecast. The storm, named Barney under the new Met Éireann / UK Met Office storm naming system, will peak during Tuesday afternoon and will abate slowly during the late evening. Paul Moroney, senior engineer, Clare County Council said, “High winds are forecast later today over the south western and western fringes of the country. Met Éireann have issued an orange weather warning which covers County Clare during this weather event. County Clare is likely to be affected to a greater extent than most other areas with the impact extending for a considerable distance inland through the afternoon.” “Wind strengths could average up to 75km/hour …

Clare County Council has issued a road safety alert following Met Éireann’s weather warning of heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding overnight Thursday and up to early Saturday. An Orange Rainfall Alert has been put in place for Clare as well as Connacht, Donegal, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary. Met Éireann says widespread, very heavy rain, with some thundery downpours will develop Thursday night and persist through Friday, leading to spot flooding and possibly accumulations of 35 to 50mm, but up to 70mm possibly on hilly ground and on mountains. Clare County Council says motorists should drive with extreme caution and should allow extra time for journeys during the period. When driving in wet conditions drivers are reminded to drive with dipped headlights at all times, allow extra distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front, allow extra space between their vehicle and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, and to not attempt driving through flooded …