A STATUS YELLOW rainfall warning has been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.

Met Éireann is forecasting that a spell of heavy rain is due to hit from 3am until 3pm tomorrow.

It’s warning that the rain is likely to lead to accumulations of 25-35mm with local spot flooding.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads tomorrow morning following the warning.

The RSA has issued the following advice for motorists driving in wet conditions:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h.
• Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.

While motorists facing flooded roads have been given the following advice: 

• 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.

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