The Met Office has issued an 18-hour yellow wind warning covering nearly all of Scotland from 3am until 9pm on Tuesday, prompting millions of UK households to prepare for potential power cuts by stocking up on torches and batteries.
Strong winds and spells of rain are expected to cause disruption, particularly in exposed coastal locations and higher ground. Gusts of 50-60mph are possible widely, while some coastal or exposed areas in the northwest and far north of Scotland could see gusts of 70mph or more.
What the Met Office said
In the weather warning, the Met Office said: "Strong west to southwesterly winds are expected to spread across much of Scotland and fringe the north of Northern Ireland during Tuesday."
"Gusts of 50-60mph are possible quite widely and some coastal or exposed areas in the northwest and far north of Scotland could see gusts of 70mph or more. There is still some uncertainty regarding the peak gusts, but the highest winds are expected in the far north and northwest and most likely over the Hebrides. The strongest of the winds will reduce from the southwest later on Tuesday, with the far north of Scotland the last to see winds ease."
Possible disruption and safety advice
Forecasters have warned that the severe weather could damage buildings, including roof tiles being torn away, and affect trees. Power cuts are also possible, which in some cases could disrupt other services such as mobile phone networks.
Residents are advised to keep several working torches and spare batteries readily available, and to keep mobile phones fully charged so emergency calls can be made if needed. During a power cut, fridges and freezers should be kept closed as much as possible to preserve food, while important documents should be stored somewhere safe and easy to access.
Households are also urged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and ensure they are prepared for any loss of electricity. Safety experts recommend switching off appliances such as irons, ovens, electric heaters and deep-fat fryers, as these could become a hazard if power is restored while no one is at home.
Areas covered by the warning
The warning covers Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling), Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray), Highlands & Eilean Siar (Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland), Northern Ireland (County Antrim, County Londonderry), Orkney & Shetland (Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands), Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire), and SW Scotland, Lothian Borders (East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian).
