Motorists have been urged to take extra care while driving during Storm Gerrit.
A Status Orange rainfall warning is in place for Kerry and West Cork, while a Yellow Warning is in place for the rest of the country.
Galway and Clare have been issued with a Status Orange Wind warnings as well.
Some coastal flooding is considered likely and RSA spokesperson David Martin said drivers should avoid such areas.
“If the road is flooded, choose another route,” he said.
“Don’t attempt to drive through it.
“Roads that appear shallow can be deeper than you think and the verge may also have subsided, so there may also be trees and branches.
“So, just steer clear of flooded roads.”
⚠️#StormGerrit has been named by the UK Met office
Yellow rain (orange for Kerry and West Cork) and wind warnings for Ireland
See warning➡️https://t.co/Xg3aMJlyuS pic.twitter.com/chGsrnuQH7— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 26, 2023
Even if the area is not flooded, Mr Martin said it is still necessary to take care while out driving.
“Drivers need to slow down and allow a greater breaking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front,” he said.
“This is going to be especially important on high speed roads, dual carriageways and motorways.
“Regarding the wind, there will be fallen debris on the road, so just be careful about that.
“Also, control of the vehicle may be affected by strong crosswinds.”
Mr Martin also said cyclists in particular are vulnerable when the wind is strong.
Main image: Cars negotiate a spot flood on the N71 near Skibbereen in 2019. Credit: Andy Gibson/Alamy Live News
