AN URGENT alert for people to be “ready and prepared” has been issued as parts of the country are set to be pounded with wind and rain this weekend.
Two warnings bringing a serious risk of flooding are in place for seven counties as a torrential downpour is due to hit.
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A Status Orange rain warning is in place for Cork and Kerry from midnight on Saturday morning until 11pm that night.
Met Eireann warned: “Very heavy and persistent rain, with highest accumulations in mountainous areas of Kerry and west Cork.”
The impacts include river and coastal flooding, “dangerous travelling conditions” and travel disruption.
A separate Status Orange alert has also been issued for Waterford, with Met Eireann confirming that it will come into affect from 12pm on Saturday and will remain in place for 12 hours.
Meanwhile, a Status Yellow rain warning is in place for Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo from 12am on Saturday morning to 12am on Sunday morning.
And to make matters even worse, Hurricane Kirk, which is travelling across the Atlantic, has reached a category 4 and Ireland could be set to feel the remnants of the storm in the coming days.
Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly issued a warning to say the hurricane now looks to be heading closer towards Ireland.
He said: “The track is going to take it around the Atlantic and come towards us.
“The path really looks to stay south of Ireland generally but it could end up hitting parts of England and Wales.”
The hurricane is expected to be downgraded in scale by the time it passes Ireland, bringing it to storm level by next week.
Alan also confirmed that as it continues to cross the Atlantic, the hurricane will be “weakening all the time”.
He added: “Hopefully going to stay well away from us but do remember, regardless of Kirk, we do have some weather warnings for tomorrow.
“Very, very heavy rain in parts of the south west especially.
“Some flooding is likely I’m afraid, especially in Cork and Kerry with rivers bursting their banks with all that rain to come off the mountains.
“If you’re in an area that’s prone to flooding, please make sure you’re ready and prepared.”
‘DANGEROUS CONDITIONS’
Alan also stressed that Kerry County Council have shared that they will be making sandbags available to anyone who may need them.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority have urged road users to “exercise caution” while the wet and windy weather is expected.
They advise that those in areas affected by the Status Orange warning to check local traffic and weather conditions before heading out on a journey.
For motorists during the weather warning, the RSA advises slowing down and allowing greater breaking distance between themselves and the vehicle ahead of them – especially on high-speed roads where there is an increased risk of aquaplanning.
Drivers are expected to take care when driving behind goods vehicles and hold back to where you can see the goods vehicle mirrors.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTES
During the weather warning, motorists are warned to use another route if a road is flooded and to not attempt to drive through it.
All road users should follow recommended routes and obey signs on the road placed by local councils and gardai.
If motorists have driven through water, they are advised to drive slowly with their foot on the break pedal for short distances to dry the brakes.
All drivers should use dipped headlights to ensure they are visible to other road users and remain vigilant to objects being blown out to the road and fallen or falling debris.
VULNERABLE SAFETY
Motorists are warned that control of their vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds – particularly high sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Drivers are asked to allow extra space between them and road users who are vulnerable such as motorcyclists and people cycling.
RSA weather warning tips
ADVICE to pedestrians, people cycling, and motorcyclists from the RSA includes:
- Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- People cycling 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. Consider wearing high visibility material.
- 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.
- Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.
