Weather warning as Storm Ashley approaches

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care over the weekend as Met Eireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Ashley approaches.

Orange Wind Warning for Galway and Mayo from 12 noon to 9pm Sunday. Storm Ashley will bring very strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides. Coastal flooding and large coastal waves are expected as well as dangerous conditions at sea and dangerous travelling conditions. The RSA is warning of difficult road conditions with the potential for fallen trees and debris as well as damaged power lines. Road users in areas affected are advised to exercise caution and check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Yellow Wind Warning for Ireland from 10am Sunday - Midnight Sunday.

Storm Ashley will bring strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides. Coastal flooding and large coastal waves are expected. The RSA is warning of difficult road conditions with strong cross winds and the potential for some fallen trees, branches and debris.

The following advice is being given to motorists on foot of the weather warnings.

•Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.

•Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.

•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. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.

•Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.

•After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.

•Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.

•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

•Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

Advice to road users e.g. pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists:

•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.

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.