RSA Urges Caution as Storm Bram Brings Orange Warning to Cork

The Road Safety Authority has urged motorists and road users across Cork to exercise extreme caution over the coming days as Storm Bram approaches, bringing gale force winds and heavy rainfall. Met Éireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings, with Cork facing an Orange Wind Warning from 7am to 3pm tomorrow, Tuesday 9 December.

Storm Bram will bring very strong to gale force southerly winds, with the strongest conditions expected along coastal areas. Cork is one of four counties under an Orange Wind Warning tomorrow alongside Kerry, Waterford and Wexford. The RSA has warned of flooding in low-lying coastal areas, particularly during high tide, along with wave overtopping, debris on roads and the possibility of power outages.

A Yellow Rainfall Warning is also in effect for Cork and six other counties from 9pm tonight until 9am tomorrow morning. Heavy rain will fall on already saturated ground, with the RSA warning of possible river flooding, surface water accumulation and difficult travel conditions.

A nationwide Yellow Wind Warning covers all of Ireland from 6am to 9pm tomorrow as Storm Bram tracks across the country.

The RSA is advising road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning to check local traffic and weather conditions before travelling. For those who must use the roads, drivers should slow down and increase braking distances in wet conditions, particularly on high-speed roads where aquaplaning poses a greater risk.

Motorists are being told never to attempt to drive through flooded roads, as water depth can be deceptive and verges may have subsided. After driving through water, drivers should apply brakes gently whilst moving slowly to help dry them out.

The RSA emphasises that high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and advises all drivers to allow extra space around vulnerable road users who may be blown off course.

Pedestrians and cyclists should wear high visibility clothing and take extra care in extremely windy conditions, as sudden gusts could blow them into the path of traffic. Cyclists walking on roads without footpaths should walk on the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic.

Road users should drive with dipped headlights at all times, watch for falling debris and expect the unexpected as objects may be blown onto the road.

For more information on severe weather driving, visit the RSA website or Met Éireann at www.met.ie.