The Met Office has issued an urgent weather warning as gale force winds are on the cards.
The weather agency advised people to anticipate potential power cuts after it issued the alert for severe wind. Wind speeds could reach up to 70mph - gale force level - and surge across "exposed areas" while dragging intense rain showers in their wake.
The result, forecasters warn, is the potential traffic difficulties and loss of services for Northern Ireland as the devastating Hurricane Melissa threatens to cause similar conditions next week. The alert was issued for all six counties in Northern Ireland and lasts from 1pm tomorrow until 11pm.
The warning states: "South to southeasterly winds will strengthen through Thursday afternoon and evening, with gusts of 40 to 50 mph likely fairly widely, and perhaps 60 to 70mph in more exposed areas, especially along coasts and over the Mournes. Outbreaks of rain are also expected during this time, especially on Thursday evening where a short period of heavy rain accompanied by strong, gusty winds will be possible in places."
The alert comes after the Met Office warned Hurricane Melissa - which is currently tearing through the West Indes - could have an impact on UK weather, keeping conditions "unsettled".
A spokesperson for the organisation told Yahoo News UK: "Hurricane Melissa is expected to lose its tropical characteristics in the North Atlantic and likely dissipate as a distinct system later this week.
"There is a small chance that the remnants of Melissa could influence UK weather next week, although the picture will become clearer closer to the time.
"At present, any particularly significant or disruptive weather appears unlikely. However, the system could help maintain the broadly unsettled conditions already affecting the UK."
That unsettled and "changeable" weather is set to continue through the next month, according to the Met Office's long-range forecast, which covers November 2 to 11.
It states low pressure will mean "all parts" of the country could see some heavy rain, although the west appears set for the heaviest impact, which could include yet more gale force winds.
The forecast adds: "Strong winds are likely from time to time, with gales or severe gales a possibility. Equally there should also be some, at least brief, drier or clearer interludes, these more prevalent further east, but perhaps becoming a little more widespread and long-lasting by the end of the period.
"With winds predominantly blowing from a westerly or southwesterly quadrant, above average temperatures are most likely, with a reduced incidence of overnight frost and fog, compared to normal, especially at first."