Orange weather warning for Cork, as yet another storm hits our shores

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users today to take extreme care when using the roads as Met Éireann has issued an Orange Weather Warning  for strong winds until midnight tonight in counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Southwest to west winds will reach mean speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130 km/h throughout the day. Winds will peak during this afternoon and evening and will be at their strongest along the coasts.

The RSA also advises road users to:
• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road and to expect the unexpected. In particular 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 around vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
 Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.
• Pedestrians should take extra care when crossing the road and cyclists when cycling in traffic as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• 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.

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