Heavy, continuous rain in Ireland; Orange and yellow warnings are in place;

Heavy, continuous rain in Ireland; Orange and yellow warnings are in place. 

Met Éireann yesterday issued orange and yellow rain warnings for heavy rain and flooding in southern and western counties. Bad conditions, heavy and persistent rain, river and coastal flooding and hazardous travel conditions are expected from 12pm tomorrow, when the orange weather warning comes into effect.

Counties Kerry and Cork were warned yesterday that flooding and traffic disruptions are expected throughout Saturday due to heavy, persistent rain. Today Met Éireann has extended the orange warning to Waterford. Yellow rain warnings have also been issued for counties Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo. Heavy rain and some localized flooding is expected throughout the day tomorrow.

⚠️Warnings have been updated for the heavy rainfall in Cork, Kerry and Waterford. 🌧️🌧️⚠️

Please check out our Meteorologist's commentary➡️https://t.co/OCGAITP9SH

Updated warnings ⬇️https://t.co/GYji547FKt pic.twitter.com/99gFj8EXhN

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) October 4, 2024 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution on South West roads this weekend. The mountainous areas of Kerry, Waterford and Cork are said to see particularly bad conditions tomorrow.

Motorists are told to slow down and maintain safe braking distances, especially on motorways and dual carriageways. The RSA is urging drivers not to attempt to drive through flooded roads.

After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal as this will dry out the brakes. The RSA has also recommended that drivers stay behind due to spray from the rear wheels of goods vehicles. "Hold your mirrors where you can see them," said the authority.

Road users are reminded to obey all traffic signs as local authorities or gardaí may put up some temporary notices in the affected areas this weekend. The RSA reminded pedestrians and cyclists to wear bright clothing and to install lights on bikes. Met Eireann expects temperatures to reach 14 to 17 degrees,