Yellow weather warnings have been issued to every other county.
Met Éireann have increased the level of warning for five coastal counties ahead of the arrival of Storm Barra.
Earlier on Sunday (5 December) the organisation had issued a Status Yellow Wind warning for all 32 counties.
However, five of these counties have now been upgraded to a Status Orange wind warning.
The five counties expected to bear the brunt of Storm Barra are Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Galway.
On Tuesday and Tuesday night, winds are due to reach mean speeds of 65 to 80 km/hr with severe or damaging gusts of up to 130 Km/ hr, possibly higher in coastal areas.
Disruption to both power and travel are likely, so prepare accordingly.
High waves, high tides, heavy rain and storm surge will lead to wave overtopping and a significant possibility of coastal flooding in some counties across the west coast.
#StormBarra 🌧️🌬️🌊
Status Orange – Wind warning for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway has been issued
For all active warnings for your county see ➡️https://t.co/KLL68Nn8FQ— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 5, 2021
The Road Safety Authority has asked road users to exercise caution during the week in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.
🔶Orange Weather Warning🔶
📍 Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick
🌬 An Orange Weather Warning has been issued for Tuesday and Tuesday night, due to #StormBarra
📆 Tues 7 – Wed 8 Dec
⌚6am-6am pic.twitter.com/BgHN8jh7Zt
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 5, 2021
Here is the RSA advice for motorists travelling this Tuesday;
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. 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 between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, to avoid the risk of aquaplaning. Drivers should also leave a bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front.
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 branches 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.
Drive with dipped headlights at all times.
The RSA also shared the following advice for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists;
In areas affected by Orange Weather Warnings you should consider postponing your journey until conditions improve.
Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. 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.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
