HGV drivers and haulage operators should review routes and delivery schedules ahead of Storm Austen, with heavy rain, strong crosswinds and flooding threatening difficult driving conditions on Thursday night and Friday morning.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to exercise caution as the storm moves across Ireland. For truck drivers, particular concerns include the stability of high-sided vehicles on exposed roads, reduced visibility from spray and flooded routes.

Met Éireann has issued the following warnings:

• Orange Rain Warning — Cork, Kerry and Waterford: 10pm Thursday, 22 October, to 5am Friday, 23 October.
• Orange Rain Warning — Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow: 2am to 8am Friday, 23 October.
• Yellow Rain and Wind Warning — nationwide: 7pm Thursday to 10am Friday.

Intense rainfall in Orange Warning areas is expected to cause flooding and very difficult travelling conditions. Strong winds will change from easterly to northwesterly, strengthening particularly in the south and southeast, with fallen trees, branches and other debris possible.

High-sided vehicles particularly vulnerable

The RSA’s severe weather guidance highlights the vulnerability of high-sided vehicles to strong crosswinds. Drivers should anticipate sudden gusts on exposed stretches, bridges and where gaps in buildings or hedgerows leave vehicles suddenly exposed. Fallen debris and other vehicles being pushed off course are additional hazards.

Transport managers should assess the suitability of planned routes for the vehicle and load involved, particularly where journeys include exposed coastal roads or bridges. Delivery times should allow drivers to slow down, divert or stop safely if conditions deteriorate.

Drivers should reduce speed to suit visibility and road conditions, leave additional braking distance and avoid sudden steering or braking. Dipped headlights should be used, with extra space allowed around cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Do not attempt flooded roads

A truck’s size and ground clearance should never be treated as assurance that a flooded road is safe. Floodwater can conceal damaged road surfaces, submerged obstacles and unsafe verges.

If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route and obey road closures. Never stop on a motorway to remove fallen branches or debris. Any diversion must also be suitable for the vehicle’s height, weight and length. Drivers should contact their transport office before following an unfamiliar alternative route.

Review overnight and early-morning movements

The warning periods overlap with overnight trunking, early deliveries and journeys to ports. Operators should check road conditions, customer access and ferry service updates before dispatch.

Pre-departure checks should pay particular attention to tyres, lights, wipers, mirrors, load security and trailer doors and curtains.

Where conditions make a journey unsafe, operators should delay departure or arrange a safe stopping location. The RSA advises considering whether journeys in extreme weather are necessary and postponing travel where possible until conditions improve.

Check the latest Met Éireann warnings before departure and throughout the warning period. Delivery deadlines must allow for drivers to make safe decisions as conditions change.