Storm Amy Brings Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings to Cork and Ireland

Motorists and road users across Cork are being urged to exercise extreme caution over the coming days as Storm Amy approaches, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that could cause flooding and hazardous travelling conditions.

The Road Safety Authority has issued a safety alert following Met Éireann's decision to activate multiple weather warnings from Thursday morning through Friday night, with an Orange Rainfall Warning for Kerry and Yellow Warnings affecting Munster and the rest of Ireland.

Orange and Yellow Warnings in Effect

An Orange Rainfall Warning has been issued for Kerry, active from 6am to 8pm on Thursday, 2nd October. Heavy spells of rain are expected, with flooding anticipated along with very difficult travelling conditions throughout the county.

A Yellow Rainfall Warning affects Cork and the wider Munster region, along with Cavan, Donegal, Connacht and Longford, from 6am to 8pm on Thursday. Widespread rain, heavy at times, will create potential for localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions across the affected areas.

Storm Amy will also bring a Yellow Wind Warning for the entire country from noon to midnight on Friday, 3rd October. Strong to near gale force and gusty south-westerly winds are forecast, creating potential for difficult travelling conditions, displaced debris and loose objects, with the possibility of fallen trees.

Driving in Wet Conditions

The RSA has advised drivers to slow down significantly and allow greater braking distances in wet weather, particularly on high-speed roads such as the M8, N40 and other dual carriageways where aquaplaning poses increased danger.

Motorists should exercise special care when driving behind goods vehicles, which generate considerable spray and reduce visibility. Drivers are advised to hold back to where they can see the vehicle's mirrors.

Flooded roads should be avoided entirely, with drivers urged to choose alternative routes. Roads that appear shallow could be deeper than expected, with collapsed verges and hidden fallen trees or branches posing additional hazards.

After driving through water, motorists should drive slowly with their foot on the brake pedal for a short distance to help dry the brakes. Road users must follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads that have been placed by local councils or An Garda Síochána.

Wind and Debris Hazards

Strong cross winds associated with Storm Amy may affect vehicle control, with high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists particularly vulnerable. Drivers should expect debris being blown onto roads and vehicles veering across lanes.

Motorists are advised to allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be blown off course by sudden gusts. Dipped headlights should be used at all times to ensure visibility.

Advice for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians walking on roads without footpaths should walk on the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic. High visibility clothing and materials are strongly recommended in reduced light conditions.

Cyclists should ensure their bikes are equipped with proper front and rear lights, white at the front and red at the back. Wearing bright clothing with high visibility material helps ensure other road users can see cyclists in poor weather conditions.

Extra care is needed when crossing roads or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as sudden gusts could blow pedestrians or cyclists into the path of oncoming vehicles.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange Warning are recommended to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any journey. Further weather updates are available from Met Éireann's website.