The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users to continue to take extra care when using the roads over the coming days as Met Éireann has issued Updated Orange and Yellow Rain weather warnings as well as a Weather Advisory for Ireland, where spells of very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised and river flooding as well as difficult travelling conditions.

The Orange Rain warnings are for Wicklow and Waterford from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday where spells of very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised flooding and river flooding, with potential impacts along the entire course of the river and difficult travel conditions.

The Yellow Rain warning is for Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Monaghan and Tipperary from 3am Thursday to 3am Friday where further rain falling on already saturated ground combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised flooding, river flooding and difficult travel conditions.

The Advisory for Ireland runs up until next Monday 9 February where there will be spells of heavy and persistent rainfall, particularly in southern and eastern coastal counties. Rain will fall on saturated ground where river levels are high with high tides expected this week. Flooding is likely due to a combination of already saturated ground, high river levels and high tides.

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

The following advice is being given to road users on foot of the current 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.
• Do not bypass Road Closed signs – the road ahead is unsafe, the damage may be hidden beneath water, and you may be putting your life at risk. 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.
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times.

Advice to 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.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light is reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please also see our severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion here. See advice with advice for driving on wet roads here.

For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie