Scores of schools are shut and ferries and trains are cancelled today as the Highlands and islands prepares to weather the latest storms.
Gusts of up to 100mph are being predicted in western parts of the region as the first of two storms hits.
The Met Office has issued an amber “be prepared” warning for much of the Highlands, with a lower yellow warning in place for the rest of the area.
While a lull is expected later today, further bad weather is predicted overnight into Saturday.
Emergency planning agencies in Highland and the Western Isles met yesterday to ensure that contingency plans are in place.
No train services will run from Inverness to Aberdeen, Kyle, Thurso and Wick or between Glasgow and Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, until at least late afternoon.
All other Scottish rail services are expected to operate, however Network Rail and ScotRail have warned of the potential for further disruptions.
All schools and nurseries in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will shut today.
A host of primary and secondaries in the Highlands will also be closed.
Daytime bus services across the Western Isles will be cancelled until about 12pm and services thereafter may be subject to delay or possible cancellation.
Sports and leisure facilities in the Western Isles are expected to close all day with the exception of Lewis Sports Centre, which should open at midday.
Libraries in the region are also expected to be open by 12pm.
NHS Western Isles said it has made contingency arrangements to ensure that clinical services can be maintained during this period.
Planned clinic and outpatients appointments will run as normal, though there may be minor changes to appointment times in the morning. Patients will be contacted about any changes.
Ferry operator CalMac is warning travellers that the strong winds mean the possibility of major disruption to services.
A spokesman said: “Ferry travellers are advised to check weather forecasts and, if possible, be prepared to be flexible with their travel arrangements in the event that services are disrupted. We regret any inconvenience caused but trust everyone will recognise that the safety of passengers, crew and ships must be our priority.”
Last night Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued a coastal flooding alert for Argyll and Bute, where storm surges combined with high tides in the early hours of Friday morning could affect some areas.
Flood alerts were also issued for Easter Ross, Shetland, Orkney, Skye and Lochaber.
The Scottish Government’s resilience team also met to discuss their response yesterday.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The weather fronts will bring particularly strong winds across the north-west of Scotland, the islands and across the central belt overnight and when people are making their way to work in the morning.”
