Cyclones like Storm Lorenzo hitting Ireland is a "sign of things to come", a climate change expert has predicted.
The ex-hurricane, which was the strongest ever storm recorded this far east and north of the Atlantic, will hit the west coast on Thursday.
And University College Cork's Dr Barry O'Dwyer has warned Ireland is "not ready for the future".
Dr O'Dwyer said the increase in global temperatures will cause more water to evaporate, which will add more moisture to storm systems.
He said: "As the earth warms as a result of manmade climate change, the atmosphere can contain more moisture than cooler air.
"This extra moisture is available to storm systems, resulting in heavier rainfall.
"Climate projections suggest an increase in the occurrence of hurricanes into the future."
He told the Irish Sun: "We can expect more Storm Lorenzos. Ocean warming is leading to these storms travel further.
"Storms will track this direction more often. This is sign of things to come.
"Ireland is not ready for the future, we need to start planning now. Our coastal areas are at substantial risks."
Dr O'Dwyer spoke as parts of Ireland are braced for powerful 120km/h gusts as Lorenzo approaches.
A Status Orange wind warning is in place for Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway and Mayo from 6pm on Thursday until 3am on Friday.
A nationwide Status Yellow wind alert after will be valid between 9am and 6pm on Thursday.
Leinster, Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal have been hit with a yellow rainfall warning.
The caution for these 20 counties will be valid from 9am on Thursday until 6am on Friday.
And on Thursday morning, Met Eireann also issued a Status Yellow wind warning for Wexford, Cork, Tipperary and Waterford.
Those counties will see gusts of up to 100km/h. The alert is valid from 6pm on Thursday until 6am on Friday.
