Strong winds across Caithness may bring disruption

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Warning for Caithness and the north Highland area that continues throughout today and into Wednesday.

Those passing along coastal routes are warned that spray and/or large waves may adversely affect roads and pathways.

The Met Office bulletin issued at 9.30am today states: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to pass to the north of Scotland later on Tuesday, clearing away to the east during Wednesday. Gusts of 60mph are likely fairly widely, and perhaps 70 to 80mph for a time across northern coasts of mainland Scotland, Lewis and Orkney."

Traffic Scotland warns motorists to drive with caution when crossing bridges in exposed areas.

NorthLink Ferries issued an early disruption warning to customers saying that "present weather forecasts indicate disruptions to our services from today and throughout the following week".

Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions all of today's (January 31) sailings are now cancelled. All sailings for Wednesday are currently under review with an update to follow, it adds.

What to expect

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
• Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer
• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
• Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
• It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves

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