The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to exercise caution while using the roads tomorrow, Thursday (October 22) and Friday.

Met Éireann has issued Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings, with Storm Austen bringing heavy rain that will spread eastwards across the country, while easterly winds will back north-westerly and strengthen further especially in the south and south-east.

There are Status Orange rain warnings for Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 10:00p.m Thursday until 5:00a.m Friday and for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow from 2:00a.m until 8:00a.m Friday.

Storm Austen will bring intense rain and this could lead to disruption and delays to public transport (rail, bus) and very difficult travel conditions and flooding is expected.

Also, there is a Status Yellow rain and wind warning for Ireland from 7:00p.m Thursday until 10:00a.m Friday where heavy rain associated with Storm Austen will spread eastwards across the country.

Strong easterly winds will back north-westerly and strengthen further, especially in the south and south-east.

There may be difficult travelling condition with localised flooding possible.

Outdoor events may also be impacted. There may be debris, loose objects displaced and some fallen trees and branches.

Drivers be warned

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

Where people have to use the roads the following advice is being given on foot of the weather warnings:

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;
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. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible;
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, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users;
Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected;
Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road;
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. 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.

Advice for other road users

Further advice has also been issued to road users e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooters and motorcyclists:

Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths;
Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material;
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;
Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.