Weather Alert: high winds

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads, as Met Éireann has issued an orange weather alert warning of winds of up to 65 to 80 km/h for exposed coastal and hilly areas of Clare, Limerick, Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Cork and Kerry until Tuesday morning.

There will be high seas and some high tides and coastal flooding is possible. Winds will veer westerly during the afternoon (Monday) and northwesterly overnight.

The RSA also advises road users to:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road and to expect the unexpected. In particular 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.

• Drivers should allow extra space around vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

• Be mindful of aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply.

* Pedestrians should 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.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, see the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages. For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie.