SEVERE WEATHER WARNING FOR THE WEST AS HEAVY RAINS FORECAST

Date Published: 06-Jun-2012

The Road Safety Authority and Irish coastguard have issued weather warnings for the Connacht area in particular.

Heavy rain is expected across the country tomorrow and Friday with Connacht and Munster the worst affected where 40 to 60mm of rain are forecast.

Accumulations may lead to excess surface water on roads and some flooding in places.

Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority is warning that after the recent dry weather, the roads will be particularly hazardous.

The advice for motorists is to slow down and increase braking distance to 4 seconds to allow for poor surface conditions.

Declan Geoghegan, Manager of the Irish Coast Guard says with the heaviest falls of rain forecast for the west and south and west some local flooding is likely.

He warns do not attempt to cross a fast running river or floodwater fords as they may be stronger and deeper than you think.

Flooded urban areas may contain hazards such as submerged open manholes and downed power lines.

He advises monitoring of weather broadcasts when travelling while specific advice from the Coast Guard today is stay away from the shoreline and do not engage in water sports.