MOTORISTS are urged to take extra care on the roads with severe flooding and incidents of surface water making driving conditions extremely dangerous this morning.
There has been very heavy rain across Donegal overnight and again this morning which has resulted in flooding in different parts of the county.
Drivers should take care on the roads this morning and be mindful that many roads, while passable, should be approached with care.
Sporting events planned for today are expected to be disrupted.
Spells of heavy rain. Flood risk is increased due to high river levels and saturated ground.
Met Éireann has issued a Yellow Rain warning for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Donegal and Connacht which came into effect at teatime on Saturday and will remain in place until midnight tonight.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users to take extra care when using the roads:
- Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning
- Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
- 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. The verge may have subsided and there may also be 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 that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
- 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.