RSA Urges Caution as Heavy Rain Warnings Continue Across Cork and Southern Counties

The Road Safety Authority has issued fresh warnings to motorists as Met Éireann's Yellow Rain alerts remain in effect for Cork and several other counties, with persistent rainfall threatening further flooding across the region this week.

Cork is currently under a Yellow Rain warning alongside Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford, running from 9pm yesterday (Monday) until 3pm today (Tuesday 3 February). The RSA warns that heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides, may lead to localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions.

A separate Yellow Rain warning covers Dublin, Louth and Wicklow from 6am to 9pm today.

Met Éireann has also issued a Weather Advisory for all of Ireland, valid until Monday 9 February, warning of spells of heavy and persistent rainfall, particularly affecting southern and eastern coastal counties. The combination of saturated ground, elevated river levels and high tides this week is expected to cause further flooding along rivers and in coastal areas.

The RSA is advising road users in affected areas to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any journey.

Key Safety Advice for Drivers:

Slow down and increase braking distances in wet conditions, particularly on high-speed roads where aquaplaning poses a serious risk.

Exercise caution when driving behind goods vehicles, which generate considerable spray that reduces visibility. Hold back until you can see their mirrors.

Never attempt to drive through flooded roads. What appears shallow may be deeper than expected, verges may have collapsed, and fallen trees or branches may be hidden beneath the water.

Do not bypass Road Closed signs. Roads closed by local councils or An Garda Síochána are unsafe, and damage may be concealed beneath floodwater.

After passing through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance to help dry the brakes.

Drive with dipped headlights at all times in poor weather conditions.

Advice for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists:

If there are no footpaths, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

Cyclists should ensure visibility with proper front (white) and rear (red) lights, and wear high-visibility clothing.

All road users should wear bright clothing with high-visibility material, as visibility is significantly reduced in poor weather.

The RSA recommends checking their website for severe weather driving tips, or following their Facebook and Twitter pages for updates. Met Éireann's latest forecasts are available at www.met.ie.

Road users are urged to exercise particular caution during the current warnings and to allow extra time for journeys where flooding or difficult conditions may be encountered.