Drivers urged to take extra care on roads as Storm Dave forecast to hit Ireland

Kenneth Fox

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users to take extra care when using the roads over this bank holiday Easter weekend, as Met Éireann has issued yellow wind weather warnings for the entire country. 

There will be unsettled and mixed weather with a mobile Atlantic flow affecting Ireland, with the potential for some severe or damaging west to southwest gusts and coastal flooding.

Drivers are urged 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.

They said to take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.

If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.

A low-pressure system coming in from the Atlantic was named Storm Dave by the UK’s Met Office on Thursday.

Met Eireann issued the yellow wind warning that will come into effect at 3pm on Saturday and is expected to last until 11pm on Sunday.

They say the impact of the storm could include fallen trees and branches, waves breaching sea defences, difficult travelling conditions and displaced debris or loose objects.

The UK’s Met Office has also issued a yellow wind warning for all six counties in Northern Ireland, starting from 2pm on Saturday and lasting until 2am on Sunday.

Met Éireann has also advised that high spring tides are likely to coincide with storm surges and strong winds, which will increase the risk of coastal flooding.

They said areas along the west and north coasts are particularly vulnerable.

The National Severe Weather and Flooding Co-ordination Group was activated on Thursday and held a meeting including local authorities, Met Éireann, Government departments, state agencies and utility providers.

In a statement, the group issued public safety advice urging people to “keep away from coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades during high tide”.

They said: “Drivers should also anticipate strong gusts and other hazards such as falling or fallen trees.

“High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds – slow down and give extra space to pedestrians and cyclists.”