Gale force winds and torrential rain hit Scotland
Scotland is on flood alert as torrential rain and gale-force winds were forecast to batter the country.
Scotland is on flood alert as torrential rain and gale-force winds were forecast to batter the country.
A Met Office be prepared'' warning is in place covering all mainland regions, with the exception of the Highlands, as Storm Frank sweeps in.
Roads authorities and the coastguard are urging people in areas that experience severe weather to avoid unnecessary travel.
Communities in the Borders have been told to prepare for up to 120mm of rain, with Peebles and Upper Tweed expected to bear the brunt.
Chief Inspector Andy McLean, the local area commander, said: Road conditions are likely to become very difficult due to flooding and standing water, and there is a significant possibility that roads will need to be closed. Drivers should under no circumstances ignore road closed signs.''
Police in Tayside also warned of potential travel disruption due to flooded roads and advised drivers to pay close attention to the latest travel news before getting behind the wheel.
The Met Office said a deepening area of low pressure was likely to bring a swathe of gale and severe gale-force winds'' across parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, with gusts of up to 80mph in exposed areas.
Several bus and ferry services have been cancelled in the Western Isles due to the conditions.
Coastguard advised vessel owners to think twice before venturing out in the expected storms and told photographers to avoid putting themselves in danger.
Mark Rodaway, commander with HM Coastguard, said: Check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so you can prepare your vessel accordingly, or even ask yourself whether you should be going out at all.
At sea, changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other, but above all don't take risks when a storm at sea is involved.
We've all seen the dramatic pictures of flooding inland and some equally dramatic images from coastal storms. Do not be tempted to go out and take those photographs yourself. No photograph or selfie is worth risking your life for.''
The extreme weather is expected to clear in time for Thursday's Hogmanay celebrations.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicky Maxey said: Currently New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are warning-free.
We're expecting the weather to be much more settled, with patches of sunshine in some areas alongside showers in other places.
We're also expecting temperatures to dip to a much cooler temperature than we've seen of late.
Rain showers expected in the next few days could fall as snow in areas over 400 metres. There could also be some frost overnight.''