Mayo motorists advised to exercise caution during Storm Kathleen

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads on Saturday following the issuing of an Orange weather warning for Mayo.

Met Éireann has issued an Orange weather warning for Storm Kathleen which is forecasted to bring gale force southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts in Mayo on Saturday afternoon..

The Orange wind warnings are for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 7am to 2pm and Mayo and Galway from 9am to 6pm on Saturday. Met Éireann has warned that this could lead to very difficult travel conditions, fallen trees, power outages, coastal flooding and wave overtopping.

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management (NDFEM) Crisis Management Team convened a Met Éireann technical briefing this morning to assess possible impacts from Storm Kathleen.

Keith Leonard, National Director of the NDFEM advised the public: “Given the challenging wind conditions expected, I would urge members of the public to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings. Also, strong winds can make driving conditions hazardous – especially for the more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles – and road users should pay particular attention to the risk posed by fallen trees and flying debris," he said.

Road users in areas affected by the Orange warning are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

The RSA has issued advice to road users on foot of the weather warnings with motorists warned to 'expect the unexpected'. The RSA has asked motorists to watch out for falling or fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road and that the high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.

“Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

“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,” the RSA stated.

Met Éireann warned that Storm Kathleen may bring coastal flooding and motorists have been advised not to attempt to drive through any flooded roads and instead choose another route.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have also been advised to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions, as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

A Status Yellow weather warning for the whole of Ireland will be in effect from 7am on Saturday until 8pm.

A small craft warning has also been issued for all coasts of Ireland will be valid from 6am on Friday morning to 6am on Saturday morning with southerly winds to reach force six or higher on all coasts.

A status yellow gale warning has also been issued from Carnsore Point to Valentia to Malin Head with southerly winds will reach gale force right or strong gale force nine on Irish coastal waters from 11pm on Friday and will be valid until 7pm on Saturday.

Met Éireann said that overall the weather will remain unsettled with spells of rain and strong winds at times.