Storm Ashley: Road users warned to 'take extreme care' this weekend

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care over the weekend as Ireland braces for Storm Ashley's approach

Met Eireann has issued Orange and Yellow weather warnings across all counties for Sunday October 20, as Storm Ashley will bring very strong and gusty southerly winds, coupled with high spring tides.

Coastal flooding and large coastal waves are expected in Galway and Mayo as well as dangerous conditions at sea and dangerous travelling conditions.  

The RSA is warning of difficult road conditions with the potential for fallen trees and debris as well as damaged power lines across the country.

Road users in areas affected are advised to exercise caution and check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.

Drivers are advised to "slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions".

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"This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning", the RSA said in a statement this Friday afternoon.

Motorists should also take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. 

Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads as the flooding could be deeper than it looks. 

Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds, and should beware of objects being blown out onto the road and watch out for falling / fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.

Road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to take extra care and to "Be Safe Be Seen". 

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management have also urged the public to steer clear of coastal areas during the high spring tides expected this weekend.

"I would urge the public to stay away from coastal areas during this period and to heed the appeal from the Irish Coast Guard for people to ‘Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry’," Keith Leonard, National Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, emphasised.