Gardaí are warning motorists to pay attention to freak weather patterns following an incident in Cork on Tuesday which involved a 20-vehicle pile-up.
Gardaí stress sudden hail showers and heavy rain create hazardous conditions and that road users should be extra vigilant.
Motorists are reminded that it takes longer to stop a car or motorbike on a wet surface. They are advised to slow down and allow further distance between vehicles during bad weather. Heavy hail showers will make roads slippery, reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
Rapid changes
The reminders come after tis latest incident which follows an eight-car pile-up on Monday. Both occurred in Cork following rapid changes in weather conditions.
Several motorists were treated for minor injuries at Cork University Hospital following the incident on the N25 Cork to Waterford road. Severe hail was also said to be the cause of an eight-car collision on the Cork to Dublin motorway on Monday.
Thunderstorms are expected nationally between 5pm and 6pm and 8pm and 9pm on Wednesday.