Flood warnings are in place for Friday and early Saturday as heavy rain sweeps across the country. Met Éireann is forecasting accumulations of up to 70 millimetres in some parts.
An orange rainfall alert has been put in place for Connacht, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Tipperary, where up to 70 millimetres of rain may fall. A yellow rainfall warning is in place for Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow and Meath, with accumulations of up to 35 millimetres expected in those areas.
AA Roadwatch warned motorists of flooding on the roads.“Preparations should begin before rain starts to fall,” said Arwen Foley, AA Roadwatch editor.
“Check your tyre pressure and tread depth; it might be time to replace your tyres, as balding can be extremely dangerous in these conditions. Don’t forget about your window wipers too - they should be changed about once a year.”
Anyone travelling long distances is advised to allow plenty of extra time to reach their destination.
“The problem with floodwater is the effects on your vehicle aren’t always immediately apparent,” he said.
“Someone might drive through a large puddle thinking they have come away unscathed - only to discover a few hours later that their car won’t start.”
When driving in wet conditions, drivers are reminded to drive with dipped headlights, to allow extra distance to the vehicle in front and to allow extra space between their vehicle and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists.
They are also reminded not to attempt driving through flooded roads.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to wear a high-visibility jacket or reflective armband.
AA Roadwatch has the following advice for motorists driving in very wet conditions:
• Slow down to avoid losing steering control (aquaplaning).
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• Only drive through water if you know it’s not too deep for your car.
• If you have to drive through standing water, drive through the centre of the road, when it is safe to do so, as that is the highest point.
• Allow oncoming traffic to pass first to avoid a bow wave flooding your air intake.
• Only drive through water if you can see a clear route away on the other side.
• Drive slowly through standing water and use a low gear to keep the revs high.
• Once you start driving through water, keep going. Do not take your foot off the accelerator as water may get into your exhaust.
• After you have passed through the water, dry your brakes by tapping them lightly and rev the engine to clear any water from your exhaust.
• If you’re waiting for an AA patrol, don’t prop your bonnet open as the engine will be harder to start if the electrics are wet.
• Be mindful of other more vulnerable road users; pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Don’t soak them with spray from your vehicle.