100MPH Winds Spark Weather Warnings

Winds up to 100mph are expected to sweep across parts of Scotland later today.

Amber be prepared'' weather warnings are in place for the north of the country and the western isles with the strongest winds due tonight and continuing until tomorrow morning.

Forecasters said gusts of 80 to 90mph will be common in the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney, and Argyll & Bute with winds in excess of 100mph possible.

The rest of the country is covered by Met Office yellow be aware'' warnings for wind and rain.

Police are warning of possible disruption to transport as well as power supplies and the possibility of structural damage.

Very large waves may also lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts, the Met Office said.

The incoming storm is part of an extra-fast jet stream moving across the Atlantic, triggered by plunging temperatures in the United States which has hit warmer air south, stirring up potent winds.

The winds are predicted to die down tomorrow afternoon before returning on Saturday.

Met Office forecaster Helen Roberts said: ''It will probably be on Thursday night into Friday morning that we have the strongest winds.

''It could fell trees and could definitely cause some damage. These winds could stir up waves on the way in and cause damage along the coast. There could be a surge on top of the tides in the North Sea in the day on Saturday.''

Motorists have been urged to take particular care between 10pm today and midday tomorrow.

Superintendent Stewart Carle, Road Policing, said: During this period of extreme weather, Police Scotland Road Policing crews will be patrolling the road network in order to keep people safe.

Please be aware of the advice being issued, and drive with extra caution and use common sense in challenging situations.''

Power companies are taking precautions with Scottish Hydro mobilising extra staff to the most exposed areas.

Head of operations Rodney Grubb said: With wind speeds of around 100mph it is ever so easy for garden furniture and farm equipment to be carried by the wind at high speed, which then becomes tangled in our power lines.

I would urge customers, especially in rural areas, to ensure anything that has the potential to become wind borne debris is secured.''

Heavy rain and gusts up to 60mph yesterday brought some disruption to parts of the country with bridges closed and ferries cancelled due to winds.

Surface water caused problems on some roads, while engineers monitoring the notorious A83 Rest and Be Thankful road in Argyll opened the secondary Old Military Road as water flowing from the hillside was causing ''some concern'', although the road remains open.