Major travel disruption is expected across Scotland on Wednesday as the first named storm of the season brings heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 75mph.
The Met Office has a yellow weather warning for wind in place for all of mainland Scotland between noon and 7am on Thursday morning as a result of Storm Agnes.
Two yellow rain warnings are also in place covering parts of Scotland, including South Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and some parts of Argyll and Bute.
The Met Office has said there could be up to 60mm of rain within those areas between 3pm on Wednesday and midnight. The conditions are set to tear down trees, as well as cause floods and power cuts.
Traffic Scotland asked drivers to take care on the M74 at junction 6, due to a friend “swanning around”.
Network Rail said widespread winds and heavy rain had the potential to cause disruption.
The Met Office also warned the storm could cause power cuts, blow tiles from roofs and disrupt railways and roads.
Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: “Storm Agnes will approach southwest Ireland early on Wednesday and track northeast across Northern Ireland and Scotland before clearing on Thursday morning.
“Gusts of 45-55 mph are expected widely inland and 50-60 mph over hills and around coasts.
“The strongest winds are expected to affect Northern Ireland, south west Scotland, west and north west Wales, Cumbria and Lancashire where some places inland may see gusts of 60mph and 65-75mph over hills and around coasts.
“These are most likely during the second half of Wednesday afternoon and through the evening.”
ScotRail warned people living near railways to secure garden furniture during the storm.
Warnings have been issued to those planning to travel in the height of the storm to ensure they plan ahead and take extra care.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has warned the storm could cause flooding.
SEPA flood duty manager David Morgan said: “Flooding impacts are possible, particularly in south-west and central areas (of Scotland). Along the south-west coast, we may see wave overtopping and flooding of causeways, promenades, properties and roads.
“Impacts are expected to be localised and around high tide. We may also see minor flooding impacts from surface water and rivers. Flood Alerts and Warnings are being issued as necessary and we continue to work with the Met Office to monitor the situation 24/7.”
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