Scots are preparing to batten down the hatches as Storm Abigail is set to sweep across the country with gusts of up to 90mph.
Flooding is also a possibility with Abigail, the first storm which the Met Office has named in Britain, which is set to hit Scotland on Thursday and Friday.
#StormAbigail could bring gusts of 90mph to northern #Scotland later today. AMBER warning for wind has been issued.https://t.co/EaXdPvsb61
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 12, 2015
This comes after a National Severe Weather Warning was issued on Tuesday for a risk of impacts from wind across parts of Scotland.
This warning has now been updated and a ‘be prepared’ amber warning issued for the far north and northwest of Scotland.
Forecasters say disruption is expected in these areas as a deep low pressure system crosses to the north of the UK.
Motorists have been warned to expect disruption across the country.
People living in coastal areas across the west of Scotland have also been warned over the risk of flooding and disruption to travel.
Ferry operator CalMac have told travellers to “think carefully” if planning to visit the west coast after 24 of its 25 services were disrupted or cancelled.
Only the 9.20am service to Colonsay will run as normal on Friday.
Across the far north and northwest of Scotland including the Western Isles and Northern Isles, severe southwesterly winds will develop with gusts of 70-80mph, perhaps increasing to storm force for a time with gusts of 90mph in exposed locations before the winds gradually ease on Friday.
Much of central and northern Scotland are likely to see severe southwesterly gales later on Thursday with strong winds extending to eastern areas and across the Northern Isles into Friday morning. Gusts of 60-70 mph are likely with the possibility of some gusts exceeding 80mph in exposed locations.
An additional hazard will be lightning associated with squally showers circulating the storm system.
Paul Gundersen, Chief Operational Meteorologist said: “With wind gusts reaching 70-80mph widely across the warning area with gusts of 90mph in exposed locations there is the potential for disruption to transport, including ferries and power supplies. The strong winds combined with high tides are likely to cause overtopping of coasts and causeways leading to additional hazards.”