Vera Petrunina via Shutterstock Vera Petrunina via Shutterstock

Updated 6.35pm

MOTORISTS ARE BEING warned that long delays are expected if travelling home on the M4/N4 roads westbound this evening.

The road is badly affected by flooding, after rain battered the country overnight and throughout the day.

Gardaí said that motorists should “delay their journey, use public transport or take alternative routes where possible”.

The gardaí also said that two lanes are currently flooded westbound at the Chapelizod Bypass on Con Colbert Road.

Advice for motorists

This morning, a Status Yellow rainfall warning was issued to counties in Munster and Leinster, and that warning will remain in place until 9pm tonight.

Road users are being advised to leave extra time for journeys, slow down and increase braking distance. If you are driving on a stretch of road that is flooded, gardaí are advising people to use alternative routes as flooded roads could be deeper than you think.

“People underestimate the force and power of water,” a statement from the Gardaí said.

“They take unnecessary risks and their vehicle could be swept downstream. A mere half ft 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 2 ft of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.”

Flooding in Kildare. Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie

This morning, traffic into Dublin city centre was brought to a halt due to severe flooding caused by early morning downpours. As the weather gets that bit colder, the RSA has issued a new warning for road users – black ice.

It issued the following advice to drivers to help stay safe:

• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out (just don’t use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass
• If the road looks polished or glossy it could be black ice. It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. It can occur especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees or next to high walls
• Use dipped headlights to ensure you’re seen by other motorists
• Give vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists extra space on the roads.

Evgeny Saveliev via Shutterstock Evgeny Saveliev via Shutterstock

Road users are also being warned of sun glare, as Met Éireann is forecasting the next few days to be quite sunny. The low winter sun in the evening time can result in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by its intensity and brightness, and can lead to accidents.

Drivers are advised to wear sunglasses, ensure your windscreen is clear, and reduce your speed on approach to junctions and corners. Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to be aware of icy paths.

With reporting from Sean Murray

Read: Heavy rain to continue throughout the day as emergency services deal with several road collisions