Winds of up to 90km/h set to batter Ireland over the weekend

You might not want to move off that couch.

Met Éireann have issued Status Yellow warnings for Wexford, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Waterford as high winds and heavy rain are expected to hit Ireland over the weekend. A weather warning valid from 10am on Friday to 12pm on Saturday has been issued for all five counties, with winds of up to 90km/h expected in exposed areas. A Status Yellow weather warning has been issued for Clare and Kerry, meanwhile, with thundery downpours potentially leading to spot flooding in coastal areas. Clare County Council is advising the public to exercise caution if visiting exposed coastal areas over the weekend due to high spring tides, aggressive sea conditions and strong winds. The Road Safety Authority has also warned drivers to exercise caution on the roads over the weekend, issuing the following advice to motorists:

• To 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
• To Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h.

With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice:

• 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.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding. Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects

Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists:

• Be seen. Wear a high visibility jacket or reflective armband
• Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.