Exercise caution as Orange weather warning in place

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads today (Monday, January 13th) as Met Eireann has issued Orange weather warnings for strong winds and risk of coastal flooding for most of the country due to storm Brendan. 
Met Eireann have issued an orange weather warning for Connacht, Donegal and Kerry from 5am to 9pm on Monday 13 January, as storm Brendan moves Northwest the southerly winds will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/h with gusts generally up to 130 km/h, higher in exposed areas.  
A second orange weather warning is in place for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford from 8am to 3pm on Monday,  as southerly winds will reach mean speeds of 50 to 70 km/h with gusts of 100 to 120 km/h, higher in exposed areas. 
There is a significant risk of coastal flooding due to the combination of high spring tides and storm surge. 

Meanwhile, Tipperary County Council’s Severe Weather Team met this morning to assess the position and to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place in advance of this severe weather event. Arrangements have been made to issue an advisory through the local media today and to update the Tipperary County Council website. The position will continue to be monitored by the Severe Weather Team to assess the position throughout the day.

 

Please note the emergency contact numbers below:

Emergency 999/112

Tipperary County Council 1890 923948

Irish Water Emergency 1850 278278

ESB Networks 1850 372999

Gas Networks Ireland 1850 205050

Tipperary County Council would advise the public to heed Met Éireann Weather Warnings and to take extreme caution over this period.

Further updates and advice will issue throughout the coming days via local and national media and on the Council’s website/facebook and twitter.

 

The following advice is being given to motorists: 
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds. 
Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed. 
Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road. 
Drivers should allow extra space allow between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds. 
Motorists should also be aware that cyclists may need more road space than normal due to flooding, fallen debris and wind gusts. Give them plenty of space to navigate any obstacles that may be in front of them 
Drive with dipped headlights at all times. 
If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. They may also have trees or braches that have fallen that may not be visible. 
Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic. 
After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes. 

Advice to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists: 
In areas affected by the Orange Warnings pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should consider delaying or cancelling any planned trip 
In other areas they should keep safe by making sure you can 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, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas. 
Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths. 
Cyclist 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 such as bright and light reflective items. 

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 and for more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie