Hurricane Ophelia , a record-breaking Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph), is set to hit Ireland and Britain Monday.
The hurricane intensified Saturday but is expected gradually weaken overnight and become a post-tropical cyclone within 24 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center. However it warns that the powerful storm will still bring hurricane-force winds as moves near Ireland and the United Kingdom.
"Direct impacts from wind and heavy rain in portions of these areas are likely, along with dangerous marine conditions," the center said late Saturday. "Although the center of Ophelia is not forecast to reach Ireland or the UK until Monday, wind and rains will arrive well in advance of the cyclone center."