Stay safe during Storm Eunice

18 February, 2022

A Status Red weather warning has been issued for Kerry and Cork as Storm Eunice makes its way to Ireland. Meanwhile, several other counties are also under a Status Orange warning.

The best advice at a time like this simply to remain indoors but if you absolutely must go out, here’s a quick guide on how to stay safe during a storm.

Motorists

Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.
Watch out for falling/fallen debris and vehicles veering across the road.
Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
Drivers need to slow down in wet weather conditions, especially on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
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. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
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.

Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists

Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Walk on a footpath where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.
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 to be seen on your bike, such as bright and light reflective items.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, check out the severe weather advice section on the RSA website.

For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website.

Take care,

The Team at GMIB.ie