AN orange weather warning has been issued for counties Limerick, Clare, Mayo, Cork, Kerry and Galway as high winds are expected to gust up to 130km/h this Tuesday night.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users today to take extreme care when using the roads after Met Éireann issued an ‘Orange Weather Warning’ for strong winds and a Yellow warning for snow and ice.
Westerly winds, veering northwest will increase to speeds of 65 to 75km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h at times overnight in exposed areas.
Heavy snow showers are expected overnight leading to accumulations of 3cm in parts of Connacht, Donegal, Monaghan and Leinster.
Larger accumulations are likely on higher ground.
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.
• Remember control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
• Check local and National weather forecasts before setting out on a journey. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
• In snow and icy conditions manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.
• To prevent windscreen wipers from freezing and seizing up in freezing fog, add anti-freeze screen washer to the water tank. Check that the wipers for wear and tear and replace them if they are.
• Check tyres, including spare wheel, replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm and make sure they are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Lack of grip can occur even on treated roads so drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking.
• Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. It can occur especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
For Pedestrains/ Cyclists/Motorcyclists:
• Pedestrians should take extra care when crossing the road and cyclists when cycling in traffic as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
Don’t get caught making unnecessary journeys.
For advice on severe weather driving tips please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie
