SCOTLAND was facing a day of travel misery as gale force winds and heavy rain sweep across parts of the country.

 

Forecasters said a powerful jet stream is set to surge in from the Atlantic, triggering amber warnings from the Met Office of very strong winds.

It is expected to hit tonight into tomorrow, with a risk of gusts of up to 100mph for some places while 70mph winds will be widespread across the rest of Scotland.

Rush hour commuters in Glasgow were warned of possible road closures and hazardous conditions caused by surface water.

Heavy downpours hit the city yesterday with winds in excess of 60mph forcing cancellations of morning sailings on the Arran ferry.

The amber "be prepared" warnings cover the possibility of very strong westerly winds across the Western Isles, north and north-west Scotland and Orkney, with yellow warnings in place for the rest of the country.

Drivers and commuters are warned to prepare for disruption to transport as well as power supplies and the possibility of structural damage.

Superintendent Stewart Carle, said: "During this period of extreme weather, road policing crews will be patrolling the road network in order to keep people safe.

"Please be aware of the advice being issued, and drive with extra caution and use common sense in challenging situations."

Very large waves may also lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts, the Met Office said.

A yellow "be aware" warning for rain has also been issued for today for much of Scotland, with the heaviest downpours expected in parts of west and central areas.

Surface water and spray on the roads and a risk of localised minor flooding in some areas are predicted.

Mark Wilson, of the Met Office, said: "We have got a very strong jet stream caused by the very cold conditions in northern America.

"It will be similar to the weather we had (at the end of 2013) - potentially as strong.

"Winds will be 80mph or more across northern Scotland, although it will be windy everywhere."

Tens of thousands of homes were left without power, trees were uprooted, trains and flights cancelled and floods crippled huge swathes of the UK when storms arrived in October 2013.

Meteorologist Mr Wilson said Scotland's climate is better suited to harsh winds.

He said: "It could have an impact on transport and services."

Engineers monitoring the A83 Rest and Be Thankful road in Argyll have highlighted dirty water flowing from the hillside which is causing "some concern".

The traffic management on the Old Military Road diversion route has been installed as a precaution, road operator Bear Scotland said.