ADVICE: How to remain safe while driving in extreme weather following Storm Éowyn

Below you will find tips and advice to help remain safe when driving during strong winds and rain, following the conditions caused by Storm Éowyn.

The Met Office has shared four tips below:

• Stick to the main roads if possible as you are "less likely to be exposed to fallen branches and debris."
• Have a tight grip on your steering wheel firmly with both hands, to ensure you have full control of your vehicle.
• Make sure you keep enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for it being blown sideways, during strong gusts of wind.
• Be aware of gaps between trees, buildings and bridges, as you are more likely to be exposed to side winds at these parts.

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With strong winds and heavy rain affecting parts of the UK, here is some good advice about driving in severe weather from our partners @TheRAC_UK and @NationalHways#WeatherReadyhttps://t.co/gQ5IWznasF

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 27, 2025

More tips, by The Road Safety Authority, is as follows: 

• Slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
• If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Don't attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.
• 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
• Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.