Severe Gales To Batter Scotland

Gale force winds and heavy rain are forecast to sweep across parts of Scotland this week.

A powerful jet stream is set to surge in from the Atlantic, triggering amber warnings from the Met Office of very strong winds.

It is expected to hit in earnest overnight tomorrow into Friday, with a risk of gusts of up to 100mph for some places while 70mph winds will be widespread across the rest of Scotland and northern England.

The amber be prepared'' warnings cover the possibility of very strong westerly winds across the Western Isles, north and north-west Scotland and Orkney, with yellow warnings in place for the rest of the country.

The public are warned to prepare for 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.

A yellow be aware'' warning for rain has also been issued for today for much of Scotland, with the heaviest downpours expected in parts of west and central areas.

Surface water and spray on the roads and a risk of localised minor flooding in some areas are predicted.

The weather was already starting to have an impact for motorists this morning as the Forth Road Bridge was closed to high-sided vehicles and a 40mph speed limit was put in place due to high winds.

Drivers are also told to expect closures on the Skye Bridge because of the gusts.

Elsewhere, Traffic Scotland said surface water is affecting many roads including the M80 and areas of Dumfries and Galloway and Lothian and Borders.

There is also some disruption to ferry services as Caledonian MacBrayne said sailings between Mallaig and the islands of Eigg and Muck have been cancelled for today due to high winds and swell conditions.

Morning sailings on the Arran ferry were also cancelled because of winds in excess of 60mph, with the company reviewing services for the rest of the day.