The whole of Scotland is to be battered by severe-gale force winds bringing a risk to life with gusts of up to 80mph.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning as dangerous conditions are expected across the country.
Gusts reaching 50-60mph are expected widely, and even 70-80mph winds could hit populated areas, STV weather presenter Philip Petrie has warned.
“People should be prepared for flying debris, the chance of falling trees, damage to buildings and also a lot of travel disruption, particularly to ferries,” he said.
The stormy weather is set to cause travel delays to road, air and ferry transport.
The Met Office alert comes into force from midnight on Wednesday and is due to last for the entirety of Thursday.
The warning covers the whole of Scotland.
The Met Office said there is a chance that injuries and “danger to life” could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.
“Towards the end of this week things will be turning quite stormy with gale to severe-gale force winds expected by Thursday,” said Philip.
“On Monday, the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind, that covers the whole of Scotland, as we are likely to see gusts reaching 50-60mph quite widely, and even 70-80mph winds in populated areas.
“There is still some uncertainty about the exact times of when the strong winds will arrive, and how long it will last, but at the moment the warning runs for the whole of Thursday from midnight to midnight.
“People should be prepared for flying debris, the chance of falling trees, damage to buildings and also a lot of travel disruption, particularly to ferries. If you live in coastal regions be wary of high waves too.
“The Met Office will be keeping an eye on this so there could be further warnings issued over the next couple of days.”
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