Status yellow - thunderstorm warning

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow - thunderstorm warning for County Cavan, effective until 9pm on Tuesday, 19th July.

Driving in thunderstorm conditions

The Road Safety Authority is advising drivers that:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
• Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.
• Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre tread fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling

The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions;

• 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.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding.
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects
• For more weather updates visit Met Eireann's website www.met.ie