The Met Office has urged households in affected areas to gather torches and batteries on Wednesday as a storm approaches, with a yellow weather warning in place for the Highlands and Eilean Siar.
Gusts are expected to reach up to 70mph, and the warning will be in force from Wednesday October 13 until 7pm the same day. The likelihood of the weather warnings has been rated as high, with expected impacts classified as moderate.
Two essential items to prepare
Under the forecaster's advice for storm preparation, the Met Office recommends people gather torches and batteries, as power cuts and short-term loss of other services are possible.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “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.”
Travel and safety advice
Travellers are advised to check road conditions and bus and train timetables before setting out to minimise delays. Motorists and public transport users are also advised to review their journeys and make alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
The weather agency recommends checking for loose items outside your home and planning how to secure them.
Weather outlook
Forecasters say the winds are set to ease over Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, with heavy rain likely to move into northwest Scotland later in the day.
The UK is set for a contrast in weather, with unseasonably mild conditions expected to sweep across the nation this week, with temperatures reaching 21C on Thursday, well above the average for mid-October.
