Severe gales to batter north of Scotland warn weather forecasters

The Met Office has issued a yellow “be aware” warning for the first severe gale of “a quiet autumn”.

Winds could reach gusting speeds of 70mph over the Western Isles, north Caithness and Sutherland and the Northern Isles on Thursday.

Deep low pressure system to the north of the UK to bring heavy persistent rain and strong winds tomorrowhttps://t.co/qZ9YBeeSGo

— Met Office (@metoffice) October 20, 2015

The Met Office said the winds could disrupt travel.

Forecasters say conditions will gradually ease during Thursday afternoon.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “While wind strengths will not be unusual for the time of year, this will be the first severe gale of what has been a quiet autumn so far.”