MET Eireann have issued a 10-hour Status Red weather alert for two counties ahead of Storm Bert – and people in those areas have been warned to “avoid any travel”.
The red alert has been issued for Cork and Galway tomorrow – with those in the counties being told to prepare for “exceptional circumstances” as the vicious storm conditions move in from the Atlantic.
A Status Red alert warns of “rare and very dangerous” weather conditions from “intense meteorological phenomena”.
There is a Orange rainfall warning in place from midnight to 10am tomorrow in Clare, Leitrim, Kerry, Sligo, Mayo and Waterford.
While there is a yellow wind warning in place from 10pm until 12am tomorrow for all counties except for Fermanagh due to Storm Bert.
A red weather warning is issued during a rare weather event that is considered “extremely dangerous” and “destructive” by Met Eirean.
Status red rain warnings are issued in situations where over 50mm of rain falls in 6hrs, 60mm of rain falls in 12 hrs, or 80mm of rain falls in 24 hours or less.
This is only the second time Met Eireann has issued a red warning for rainfall.
Met Eireann has warned the potential impacts of Storm Bert are localised river flooding in small upland and urban catchments – particularly in the west and southwest.
As well as surface flooding due to snow melt on Thursday and Friday meeting heavy rainfall during the storm,
Other impacts are dangerous travelling conditions, displaced objects and fallen trees – meaning driving on roads or motorways during the vicious weather could be dangerous.
The Road Safety Authority has urged all road users in the areas affected by a RED weather warning to “avoid any travel” during the storm.
People should take extra care and only drive if it is absolutely necessary.
This is from midnight until 10am on Saturday in Cork and Galway.
Additionally, the RSA advise all road users to take extreme care in the areas where orange and yellow weather warnings are in place tomorrow due to Storm Bert.
The RSA have said “very strong winds and heavy rain will track north-eastwards across the country over the weekend.”
All road users are being advised to be aware of the dangers that will continue once the storm has passed – such as flooded roads, downed pylons, lines, trees, branches and debris.
The public are advised to obey any road closures and follow diversions put in palce by local authorities and An Garda Siochana.
ARE YOU INSURED TO DRIVE DURING A RED WEATHER WARNING?
Comprehensive car insurance should cover drivers for any damage caused by techerous weather during a red weather wanring.
However, if a motorist is found to have been driving irresponsibly during bad weather leading to a collision – your insurer may not pay out in the end.
If an insurance company is able to prove contributory negligence on the part of a motorist, their claim will be questioned.
An Insurance Ireland spokesperson previously said: “Damage to cars caused by the storm is covered by comprehensive motor insurance policies.
“Third-party fire and theft policies cover motorist’s for damage to other cars in the event of an accident, injury to other people, or damage to your car in the event of a fire or theft.”
