Motorists urged to take care on flooded roads this evening
By Aura McMenamin
MOTORISTS are being advised to take caution this evening as they prepare to make the commute home following a morning of floodwater on many Dublin roads.
Today’s heavy rain caused major traffic jams across local communities and the wider Dublin area, with the severe weather and road conditions catching a lot of drivers out.
Kylemore Road
Met Eireann has issued a Status Yellow weather warning until 9pm tonight, with up to 40mm of rain expected to fall.
According to AA Roadwatch, drivers should avoid driving through larger pools of water as it is easy to be deceived by the depth of the water.
Traffic is currently being reported as heavy in Lucan.
#KILDARE Traffic is very heavy westbound on the #M4 Dublin/Sligo Rd between J3 Lucan to J8 Kilcock due to earlier flooding. https://t.co/PSzIBsvOzE
— AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) November 22, 2017
OUTER RING RD: The Outer Ring Rd is extremely heavy from Grange Castle Roundabout through to J3 Lucan on the N4.
— Live Drive (@LiveDrive) November 22, 2017
Conor Faughnan, director of Consumer Affairs for AA Roadwatch, said: “It’s simply not worth the risk as you can very quickly find yourself stuck on the roadside.
He added: “Meanwhile, in the coming days a drop in temperatures is likely to wreak havoc on car batteries, particularly if they’re older or weaker, so it’s important that motorists give their car a quick check today before conditions take a turn for the worst from tomorrow.”
Its been a tough day on the roads, take care going home. We’ll all get home eventually. We attended this RTC at #Brittas earlier, luckily no injuries. pic.twitter.com/XvZio9zliA
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) November 22, 2017
Gardai have also issued their own warning to motorists ahead of the commute home, and are warning drivers to avoid driving through flood water.
A Garda spokesperson said: “People underestimate the force and power of water.
“They take unnecessary risks and their vehicle could be swept downstream.
“A mere half-foot of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just a foot of rushing water to carry away a small car, while two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
“It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Take extra care at night when it is harder to see flood dangers and drive to the road conditions.”
If you want to check that your route is safe, check @aaroadwatch for updates, if it is safe to do so.
