Amber warning for winds of up to 100mph
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AN upgraded amber weather warning has been issued ahead of the first of two storms expected to batter the area later this week
Gusts of more than 100mph are now being predicted by the Met Office, which is warning of possible power cuts and damage to buildings overnight on Thursday into Friday.
A spokesman said: "A vigorous depression is expected to run rapidly east passing northern Scotland on Thursday night and Friday morning.
"Winds will begin to increase late on Thursday to give a period of very strong westerly winds across the Western Isles, the north and northwest of the Scottish mainland. Gusts of 80 to 90 mph are likely quite widely with a risk of gusts of over 100 mph in places. Winds should quickly ease from the west during the day.
"The public should be prepared for the potential for disruption to transport as well as power supplies and the possibility of structural damage," they added.
A second storm front is also expected to hit the local area on Saturday. A yellow warning for damaging winds is currently in place for this second storm, although the Met Office says it too could be upgraded to amber as forecast predictions become clearer nearer the day.
Meanwhile, a yellow warning is also in force for torrential rain today, although the worst of the weather is expected to hit to the south and west of the local area.
For all of the latest information on the weather warnings, and further updates as the storm systems approach, visit the Met Office's weather warning page at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings.
