Yellow Rain Warning for Cork as RSA Urges Caution During Storm Boelo

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution on the roads this bank holiday weekend. Met Éireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings as Storm Boelo is set to bring spells of very heavy and intense rain.

A Yellow Rain Warning is in place for Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo and Sligo from 4am to 3pm on Saturday. Storm Boelo will bring spells of heavy rain, with difficult travelling conditions and localised flooding possible. Outdoor events may be impacted.

Elsewhere, an Orange Rain Warning applies to Kerry from 7am to 2pm on Saturday, while an Orange Wind Warning applies to Donegal, Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo from 2pm on Saturday to 9am on Sunday. Yellow Wind Warnings are also in place for Connacht, Clare, Kerry and Limerick from 1pm on Saturday to noon on Sunday, and for Donegal from 1pm on Saturday to 3pm on Sunday. Met Éireann says the storm could cause damage to homes and businesses, disruption and delays to public transport, flooding and very difficult travelling conditions.

The RSA advises drivers to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways, where there is increased danger of aquaplaning. Drivers should also take special care behind goods vehicles, which generate a considerable amount of spray, and hold back to where they can see the vehicle’s mirrors.

If the road ahead is flooded, the RSA says to choose another route and not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think, and the verge may have subsided. 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, the RSA advises drivers to drive slowly with their foot on the brake pedal for a short distance, as this helps to dry the brakes. Drivers should also use dipped headlights at all times, beware of objects being blown onto the road, and allow extra space for cyclists and motorcyclists, who may be blown off course by strong winds.

For pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter users and motorcyclists, the RSA advises walking on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no footpaths. Cyclists should use white lights at the front and red at the back, and take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions. Everyone is urged to wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

For more weather updates, visit Met Éireann’s website at www.met.ie.