Scotland weather: Gale forecast prompts flood warnings
Scotland weather: Gales continue to affect west coast
(about 4 hours later)
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued multiple flood warnings as the country prepares for high winds and rain.
Gale to severe gale force winds have continued to affect the Western Isles and the west coast of Scotland.
The warnings, indicating "flooding is expected, immediate action required", cover parts of Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, west central Scotland and Tayside.
A number of properties have been left without power. The main areas affected have been around Oban, Thurso and the Western Isles.
A related amber warning of severe gales has been issued by the Met Office.
The highest wind speed recorded in Scotland overnight was 90mph in South Uist. Glasgow experienced gusts of up to 60mph, and Aberdeen 66mph.
Gusts could reach about 90mph in exposed areas.
Heavy rain brought localised flooding to parts of west central Scotland.
Western Scotland and the Western Isles are expected to be most affected.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) had issued multiple flood warnings as the country prepared for high winds and rain.
The alert, which applies from 21:00 on Wednesday to 08:00 on Thursday, said the winds could lead to "very high waves" and would be accompanied by heavy rain.
The warnings, indicating "flooding is expected, immediate action required", covered parts of Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, west central Scotland and Tayside.
A related amber warning of severe gales was issued by the Met Office.
The alert, which applied from 21:00 on Wednesday to 08:00 on Thursday, said the winds could lead to "very high waves" and would be accompanied by heavy rain.
Forecasters said the public should be prepared for disruption to transport and possibly power supplies.
Forecasters said the public should be prepared for disruption to transport and possibly power supplies.
The strongest winds and rain are expected to clear early on Thursday, giving way to blustery and wintry showers.
The strongest winds are expected to give way to blustery and wintry showers.
Flooding
Transport Scotland said preparations had been made to cope with any travel disruption.
A key concern is over low-lying coastal areas, which could experience a tidal surge.
BEAR Scotland, which manages and maintains trunk roads in the North West, North East and South East of Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland, said it has dealt with over 65 incidents overnight including fallen trees and minor flooding.
Experts from Sepa said properties were at risk in Gourock, Dumbarton, Renfrew & Oban.
In Gourock, Cove Road is forecast to flood along with the "potential for property flooding", with the peak expected overnight at about 01:00.
In Dumbarton, Sepa said a high tide, storm surge and gales could flood homes in High Street and College Way with the water peaking at 01:15.
In Renfrew, the warning applies to low-lying properties, with the risk of flooding peaking at 01:45.
The danger for Oban will be at its greatest between 04:30 and 06:30.
In addition to the flood warnings, Sepa has issued flood alerts covering Caithness and Sutherland, Skye and Lochaber, Orkney, Shetland, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders.
BBC Scotland weather presenter Judith Ralston said: "Some very wet and very windy weather will affect most places this evening.
"A very deep area of low pressure will journey northwards towards Iceland running parallel with the west coast during this evening and tonight. It will generate severe gales."
She added: "The intense winds will be for a short spell initially - in the southwest early evening, northwest and the far north later tonight."
Transport Scotland said preparations were being made to cope with any travel disruption.
Traffic Scotland Operator Manager Stein Connelly said: "The Met Office is telling us that the North West Highlands and Western Isles are likely to face disruption due to the strong winds this evening and into Thursday.
"We would advise people in these areas to prepare for some travel disruption and to allow extra time for their journeys. They should also check the relevant websites for up to date travel information.
"Transport Scotland is in regular contact with The Met Office, Police Scotland, operating companies and Network Rail as well as the ferry operators and will activate our Multi Agency Response Team through the night to cover the morning peak to ensure the maximum response to any incidents caused by the high winds."
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