Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Heading home on the M4? Long delays anticipated due to flooding

Drivers are being told to delay their journey, use public transport or take alternative routes this evening.

shutterstock_513274333 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 KILDARE  758A9511_90530073 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.

shutterstock_430663177 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

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
36 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute GerryCummins
    Favourite GerryCummins
    Report
    Jul 9th 2019, 11:28 PM

    How do you stop a tram weighing X tons if someone steps out in front of it? Rip to the victim but wishing the driver the best of recovery from an unavoidable tradgedy also!

    336
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leroy Brown
    Favourite Leroy Brown
    Report
    Jul 9th 2019, 11:41 PM

    @GerryCummins: horrible for both the driver and the girl that was killed… neither will come back from this :(

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louise Reid Mc Hugh
    Favourite Louise Reid Mc Hugh
    Report
    Jul 10th 2019, 9:05 AM

    @GerryCummins: the woman was already lying on the track she didn’t just fall out in front of it. May she rest in peace & let’s not forget about the tram driver in this very sad situation.

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Honeybee
    Favourite Honeybee
    Report
    Jul 9th 2019, 11:07 PM

    The area in question between Fatima stop and St James’s is indeed a dark and poorly lit area as the Luas travels on a grassy bank around a bend into darkness before coming in to the public area in front of the hospital.The driver is correct and this is borne out by the recommendations that drivers use full beams on this stretch of track.

    149
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Mc Donagh
    Favourite Martin Mc Donagh
    Report
    Jul 9th 2019, 10:30 PM

    Rip.

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Kelly
    Favourite John Kelly
    Report
    Jul 10th 2019, 8:21 AM

    Very sad for all involved..

    20
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds