The Met Office has issued an 18-hour yellow wind warning covering nearly all of Scotland from 3am until 9pm on Tuesday, with powerful gusts and spells of rain likely to cause disruption.
Millions of households across the UK have been urged to gather torches and batteries because power cuts are likely across western parts of England, Wales and Scotland due to heavy winds, which could disrupt power supplies.
Wind warning details for Scotland
Two weather warnings for gales are in place, the largest of which covers most of Scotland on Tuesday. The far north of Scotland could see gusts of 70 mph or more, according to forecasters at the Met Office. Large parts of western Scotland will experience 50-60mph winds throughout the day.
Outlining the details of 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."
Preparing for power cuts
Households should have torches and batteries ready, experts say. The weather warning adds: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Maps show the two weather warnings, the largest of which is in place until 9pm on Tuesday. The gales will be coupled with heavy rainfall throughout Tuesday morning, particularly across Wales and parts of the Midlands. Schools are closed on Tuesday due to the weather, including a handful across Scotland where half-term fell last week.
Potential damage and impact
Forecasters have cautioned that the severe weather could inflict damage on buildings, with roof tiles potentially being ripped away, while trees may also fall victim to the ferocious gusts. There is additionally the prospect of power cuts, which in certain cases could knock out other services, including mobile phone networks.
During a power cut, fridges and freezers should remain closed as much as possible to help preserve food, while important documents should be kept somewhere safe and easily accessible, reports the Express.
The areas covered by the weather warning include Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Northern Ireland, Orkney & Shetland, Strathclyde, and SW Scotland, Lothian Borders.
