Storm Dennis is set to wreak havoc this weekend with gale force winds, heavy rainfall and flooding expected.
Met Eireann has warned that stormy conditions could be on the way with potentially "damaging" gusts.
A cold blast of air coming from Canada is set to affect the jet stream, which will result in a low-pressure system sweeping towards Ireland.
The eye of the storm is heading for the north of Ireland and is expected to arrive this weekend - before the potential of more snowfall.
A Met Eireann meteorologist said: "Cold air is forecast to exit Canada and enter the North Atlantic Ocean over the next few days, creating a sharp temperature gradient in the atmosphere.
"This will result in an intensification of the jet stream, which will direct low pressure systems towards Ireland.
"Gales are likely in coastal areas on Saturday with fresh to strong winds inland.
"Winds could increase further on Sunday, possibly becoming stormy, particularly along western coasts.
"It will be very gusty too over the weekend, with some damaging gusts possible."
The possibility of flooding will increase this weekend if stormy conditions combine with high seas and strong winds.
Met Eireann predicts western and southern coasts will be worst affected, as well as inland rivers in places where heavy rainfall occurs.
The meteorologist explained: "We are entering into a period of transition between Spring (High) Tides and Neap (Low) Tides. This means there will not be a large variation between high and low tides.
"The combination of high seas and strong winds or perhaps stormy conditions, may increase the possibility of coastal flooding especially along western and southern coasts due to wave transformation.
"Storm Dennis may also bring very wet conditions with localised flooding possible.
"River levels are elevated across much of the midlands so any heavy rainfall would cause issues here."
Temperatures during Saturday will reach highs of 11C and will fall overnight to between 1C and 3C as the rain breaks up somewhat and skies clear.
It will be cooler on Sunday with values ranging from 6C to 9C, and overnight lows of 2C.
Showers may turn wintry in the west, while sleet or possibly snow could fall in the north and northwest.
