Drivers are being urged to take extra care on the roads as strong winds are forecast for this evening and tonight.

Met Éireann predicts winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour in parts of Munster, Leinster, Galway and Mayo. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising motorists to slow down and expect the unexpected.

It says damaging gusts will be from a south to south-west direction of up to 90 to 110 km per hour across Leinster and Munster, reaching as high as 130 km per hour in Kerry and along southern coasts later this evening.

It also forecast the strong winds will persist overnight and will be strongest along the southern coast.

The RSA is asking road users to take extra care and have issued the following advice:

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times 
• Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling

It is also reminding cyclists and pedestrians to be seen on the roads by wearing bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.

Brian Farrell is CEO of the RSA. He says motorcyclists, truck drivers and bus drivers need to take extra care.