RSA Urge Caution On Roads Amid Difficult Driving Conditions

Drivers are being warned to exercise caution on the roads today and tomorrow, following a series of weather warnings

Cork and Waterford are currently in the grips of an Orange rain warning - extending to Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford from 1pm.  

The alert is in place until 6pm, with Met Éireann warning that heavy rain and some intense thundery downpours could result in flooding, dangerous driving conditions and travel disruption.

Cork and Waterford’s Severe Weather Assessment Teams both met yesterday ahead of the alert, which is accompanied by a Status Yellow warning for rain until 8pm this evening.

Cork County Council said the Dursey Cable Car will not be operational today as a result of the weather warnings and will resume operations when weather conditions permit and following inspection if necessary.

Pumping arrangements have also been put in place where required and as a precautionary measure, sandbags will be deployed to key risk areas on a prioritised basis. 

Meanwhile a yellow rain and wind warning is affecting Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Wicklow.

David Martin from The Road Safety Authority says heavy, thundery downpours can cause spot flooding and poor visibility - making for difficult travelling conditions:

"Pedestrians and cyclists they need to be aware as well, take extra care crossing the road or cycling in these windy conditions as a gust of wind could blow you in to the path of an oncoming vehicle. Sunday is going to be a very very difficult day. It will ease a little bit on Monday but Sunday's going to be very tricky traveling conditions particularly in the South and the Southeast"