Ireland's roads are bracing for a perilous night and day ahead as Met Éireann warns of widespread heavy rain leading to localised flooding, compounded by mist and fog that could drastically reduce visibility for drivers. With the current time at 21:12, the national forecaster has issued urgent guidance for motorists to exercise extreme caution overnight and into tomorrow, Thursday, 13 November, amid conditions ripe for hazardous travel.
According to the latest update from Met Éireann, heavy rain is already affecting many areas early tonight, with the potential for localised flooding to disrupt low-lying roads and urban drainage systems. This deluge is expected to persist overnight, particularly in Ulster and north Connacht, where rain will continue unabated until morning. "Motorists are advised to be extremely careful," the forecast implicitly urges, as standing water and sudden floodwaters pose significant risks to vehicles and safety.
The overnight hours will see the rain gradually clearing northwards, but not without leaving a legacy of slick surfaces and potential blockages. Adding to the danger, patches of mist and fog are forecast to develop, especially in sheltered valleys and coastal regions, further impairing visibility and turning familiar routes into treacherous unknowns. Drivers in these conditions are reminded to reduce speeds, increase following distances, and use headlights and fog lights where appropriate - though the latter should only be activated when visibility drops below 200 metres.
Tomorrow promises no swift reprieve. The morning will dawn cloudy across the country, with lingering mist and fog in northern counties giving way to rain and drizzle that clears slowly. As the day progresses, scattered showers will sweep northwards, some intensifying to heavy downpours capable of exacerbating any existing flood risks. Met Éireann's detailed outlook highlights that while temperatures will hover around a mild 10-12°C, the combination of persistent moisture and gusty winds could make for slippery conditions on untreated roads.
Local authorities and emergency services are on high alert, echoing Met Éireann's call for vigilance. In recent years, similar weather events have led to numerous incidents, from stranded vehicles in floodwaters to multi-car pile-ups in low-visibility fog. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) reinforces this with standard advice: check your route via apps like AA Roadwatch or the Garda Traffic Watch before setting out, avoid fording floodwater (as just 15cm can sweep away a car), and never drive through submerged areas.
This breaking advisory comes at a time when Ireland is still recovering from the impacts of climate variability, with Met Éireann noting in recent reports that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent. For real-time updates, residents and travellers are encouraged to monitor the Met Éireann website or app, where radar imagery and hourly forecasts can provide minute-by-minute insights.
As the Emerald Isle hunkers down under the relentless Irish drizzle turned deluge, one thing is clear: tonight and tomorrow, the safest journey is the one planned with caution. Stay safe on the roads, Ireland - and remember, a little preparation goes a long way in the face of Mother Nature's whims.
People are asked to share this information with their friends who'll be on the roads tonight and tomorrow.