Scientists say climate change is already making these heavy rain events stronger and more frequent.
A new climate study that examined Kildare and surrounding counties says parts of Ireland are facing a higher risk of flooding as heavy rainfall becomes more common due to human-caused climate change.
The research was carried out by Maynooth University with support from Met Éireann.
It looked at the rain that fell during Storm Claudia in mid-November, as well as the very wet weeks before it.
The report says the ground was already soaked after a wet autumn.
September had almost one-and-a-half times its usual rain.
October was also well above normal.
Rivers were high and catchments were full.
Scientists say climate change is already making these heavy rain events stronger and more frequent.
Short, intense downpours are now about twice as likely as they used to be.
Longer, month-long wet spells are also happening more often.
Rainfall over the 30-day period affecting Kildare and surrounding counties has increased by around 7% compared with pre-industrial times.
The study warns that as the planet warms, these events will get worse.
With 3°C of global warming, similar heavy-rainfall events could happen every one to two years.
Dr Claire Bergin from Maynooth University said flood defences in the south-east were “seriously tested” during Storm Claudia.
She warned that saturated ground and full rivers mean even normal rainfall can now cause problems.
"While the potential threats from the two-day rainfall event in the south-east were well communicated to the public, flood defences were seriously tested. With further global warming we can expect the magnitude of rainfall to increase, with more rain falling during events like this," she said.
Met Éireann says Ireland has had a run of wet months since September, and a warmer atmosphere now produces heavier rainfall.
The study details how communities - including Kildare - will need stronger local flood plans as extreme weather becomes more common.
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