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Orange weather alert for Cork as heavy rainfall due

December 11th, 2015 12:05 PM

By Siobhan Cronin

The floods in Macroom last weekend. (Photo: John Delea)

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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today renewed its appeal to users to take extra care on the roads as Met Éireann have issued an ORANGE weather warning for counties Cork, Clare, and Cork.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today renewed its appeal to users to take extra care on the roads as Met Éireann have issued an ORANGE weather warning for counties Cork, Clare, and Cork.

Prolonged falls of very heavy are rain expected overnight on Friday and during Saturday with totals of 30 to 50mm, larger totals on higher ground. Further flooding is expected.The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. The RSA is advising drivers that:

  • It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
  • Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility.
  • Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
  • Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
  • Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions:

  • 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.
  • Do not underestimate the force and power of water. A mere 15 cm ( ½ ft) of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 30 (1 ft) cm of rushing water to carry away a small car, while 60 cm (2 ft) of rushing water can carry away most vehicles. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters*.
  • Many drivers of 4 x 4 vehicles over estimate their ability to navigate flooded roads too, putting too much faith in their “heavy” vehicles. In reality, most motorists will lose control of their vehicles, including SUVs, in just 15 cm of water*.
  • The hidden dangers caused by the erosion of the road by fast moving water is another factor that drivers should consider. Moving water is very powerful and can undermine the integrity of a road. A motorist will be unaware that he or she is driving into a gouged out section of the road because it’s hidden underwater.
  • Always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.

This video from the US National Weather Service highlights the dangers of driving in flooded roads.

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.

For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie and follow the Southern Star on Facebook and Twitter @southernstarIRL

 

 

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