Storm Lorenzo is just a "sign of things to come" according to a weather expert who says Ireland will have to get used to cyclone-like winds battering the island.
As the hatches get battened down for the arrival of the former hurricane, a University College of Cork Dr says we are "not ready" for the future.
Dr Barry O'Dwyer says more water is evaporating due to the rise in temperatures - and if there's more moisture in the air then we can expect more storms to form.
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."
The expert spoke as Ireland gears up for winds of up to 130km/h.
A Status Orange warning is in place for most Western Counties while Dublin is under a Yellow Warning for Thursday and Friday.
Gusts of up to 100km/h are expected in the capital while the first signs are set to hit on Thursday evening.
