Up to 70mm of rain could fall in parts of the country tonight (Thursday) and Friday, Met Eireann has said.
It has issued an orange rainfall warning for Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary until midnight on Friday.
Widespread, very heavy rain, with some thundery downpours will develop Thursday night and persist through Friday, it said.
Met Eireann said this will lead to spot flooding and possibly accumulations of 35 to 50mm, but up to 70mm possibly on hilly ground and on mountains.
Met Eireann has also issued a status yellow rainfall warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Waterford until early Saturday morning.
Heavy falls of rain will develop during Friday and Friday night, leading to spot flooding, possible accumulations of 25 to 35mm possible, it said.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads as Met Eireann warn of widespread and very heavy rain in Connacht, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary.
The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers that:
- It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, four seconds at a minimum (use the two second rule and repeat it twice).
- Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.
- Be mindful of aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
- Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
- Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling.
The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions:
- 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.
- After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
- Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding.
- Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
- Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects.