Snow and ice warnings are in place today across the north.
Winds will touch gale force today in some coastal areas and rain will persist as heavy showers or in more prolonged periods.
Yellow warnings are in place for Dalganachan, Halkirk, Ullapool, Dingwall, Cassley, Scardroy and Glen Affric Youth Hostel.
Ferry misery continues with operator CalMac today catching up on yesterday’s disruptions.
All of its 28 routes bar six suffered alerts and disruptions.
Sailings to South Uist and the Small Isles were cancelled yesterday as were Mallaig-Armadale and Berneray – Leverburgh.
Extra sailings are planned for some routes today with CalMac advice to check before travelling.
Caution was advised on the Skye, Kessock and Dornoch bridges yesterday where high wind warnings were in place.
Yesterday’s wet and blustery conditions combined with high tides caused localised flooding in the Highlands yesterday morning.
In Dornie, residents were surprised to see the waters of Loch Long lapping across the road almost to the houses along the shore.
Due to the particularly high tide, the water overran the retaining wall.
The flood caused disruptions to the school run, operated by Kyle company Skyeways.
Mhairi MacRae from Skyeways said the flooding was due to the exceptionally high tide.
She said: “Thankfully that was the only route that we came across flooding.”
Relentless rain in the Outer Hebrides saw water flooding some causeways, including that of Baleshare in North Uist, making it impassable for several hours.
No other causeways were closed across the islands.
Flood alerts remained in force on the islands, while flood warnings were in force across Orkney.
They are currently in force in Moray, for Spey Viaduct to Spey Bay, due to the high spring tides and storm surges.
Low lying properties and roads in Kingston and Garmouth are at risk, including the B9015 Kingston Road according to Sepa flood maps, which predict coastal flooding around the times of the high tides over the next few days.
This afternoon Thursday will see the highest of the high tides this week.
The environment agency says flows in the River Spey are not too high at the moment, so the risk from the sea within the estuary could be more limited than previous events, when high tides have combined with high river flows.
The good news
The wild weather is not bad news for everyone – with snow sports enthusiasts and attractions expected to be counting their blessings.
Good recent snowfall has benefited Cairngorm Mountain and despite high winds yesterday – gusting to 105mph at height and 50mph at base level – eight runs and three lifts were in operation.
Cairngorm Mountain Scotland reported: “Forecasts are looking very promising for snowfall to continue at all levels during the week.”
High winds did close Glencoe Mountain yesterday, but but operators are expecting further heavy snowfall today and overnight and plenty of opportunities to take to the slopes.
Nevis Mountain Range had to remove its gondola from service yesterday due to the strong winds but also expects better conditions in the days to come.
Respite from the high winds is forecast for Friday, with the Met Office saying it will be mainly dry with plenty of sunshine.
Unsettled conditions will return at the weekend before things turn generally calmer midweek.
