FORECASTERS have warned that gusts of up to 90mph could hit the Scotland today with the arrival of Storm Caroline, causing potential danger to life.
The Met Office has raised the level of its weather warning from yellow to amber “be prepared” for the north of the country, warning of very windy weather.
Transport is likely to be disrupted while there may also be power cuts.
The warning is valid from 6am until 11.55pm tonight, while a yellow “be aware” warning is in force for the southern half of Scotland and parts Northern Ireland between 6am and 6pm.
The Met Office said gusts of 70mph to 80mph are expected widely in northern Scotland, with gusts of up to 90mph possible in exposed areas.
It said: “Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life. Some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs. Longer journey times and cancellations are likely as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected. There is a good chance that power cuts may also occur.
“Large waves are expected and beach material may be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.”
Coastal routes, seafronts and coastal communities are likely to be affected by spray or large waves. Snow and falling temperatures are also forecast for parts of Britain, including Scotland, on Saturday.
The storm has caused production to be shut down on the Ninian South North Sea platform, about 240 miles from Aberdeen, after safety fears led to all workers being removed.
Operator CNR International made the decision following the Met Office predictions.
A total of 69 of the 159 staff were taken off the structure as a precaution on Tuesday. However, with forecasters raising their weather warning to amber, the firm decided to fully evacuate the platform.
A CNR International spokeswoman said the “safety of the personnel on board the platform is of paramount importance”.
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