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KERRY County Council and the Road Safety Association are both issuing advice before the Status Orange wind warning comes into effect tomorrow.
The Kerry Local Coordination Group met this afternoon to prepare for the arrival of Storm Jorge with the warning is in place for Kerry from 6am Saturday to 3am Sunday.
Kerry County Council and other agencies are reminding motorists to travel with extreme care for the duration of the weather warning given the possibility of fallen branches and trees.
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Members of the public are advised to avoid exposed coastal areas and higher ground while property owners should take precautions to ensure loose items such as hoarding, bins, garden furniture etc are not vulnerable to strong winds and gusts.
Kerry County Council crews are on standby to deal with any issues which may arise and an emergency phoneline – 066 7183588 – can be contacted at any time during the severe weather event and will be available from 5pm this evening to 9am on Monday. Updates will be provided on the Council’s website and social media platforms.
Menwhile the Road Safety Association (RSA) has advised road users in areas affected by the Orange Warnings to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey. The following advice is being given to road users.
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 on the road 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.
Advice to Pedestrians, Cyclists and motorcyclists;
• Visibility and light is 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.
• Cyclist 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 such as bright and light reflective items.
