75mph Winds And Heavy Rain Forecast

20 October 2014, 17:26 | Updated: 20 October 2014, 17:28

Winds up to 75mph are expected to hit Scotland tomorrow as the remains of Hurricane Gonzalo pass over the country.

The west coast will be worst affected, with heavy rain also being forecast throughout the day.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for tomorrow with the storm predicted to cause disruption, particularly to travel.

Gonzalo caused widespread damage and a power blackout when it hit Bermuda last week, and it is now sweeping over the UK and into Europe.

Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll has arrived in the small British territory to assist in the relief effort after the hurricane.

The strong winds are expected to remain in Scotland for almost 24 hours.

Sean Tenston, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: "Winds will start picking up from midnight and moving in from the west. It's looking widely like gusts of up to 60mph but winds could reach around 75mph in exposed parts of Argyll and the islands.

"By morning, northern parts and Aberdeen will see heavy rain with winds again widely between 55 and 60mph across Scotland. It should brighten up somewhat by midday but it will remain windy throughout with gusts of 70mph along coastal parts in the afternoon.

"Temperatures will struggle to reach double figures generally so it will remain cool, but the winds should gradually ease off into the night, but it is looking like a full 18 to 24-hour period of sustained winter weather.

"What we're seeing is the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo, which are now an extra-tropical depression, crossing the UK.''

Commuters have been urged to take care in the weather during rush hour and warned of potential disruption.

Traffic Scotland said: "Gales, and more locally severe gales, are expected to affect much of the country on Tuesday. Whilst Monday night will see wet and windy conditions sweeping eastwards, the strongest winds are expected to occur after the rain clears and winds veer north-westerly through Tuesday morning.

"The public should be aware of the potential for disruption to travel and possible damage to trees. Difficult driving conditions will result, perhaps exacerbated by surface water and spray in places.''

Police have also issued advice to drivers with standing water and spray expected on the roads with up to 20mm of rain forecast to fall in a short period.