Crushing waves will slam the UK’s shores while power cuts and travel delays are likely as 70mph batter the country.
The Met Office has placed a yellow weather warning for wind as strong gales are predicted for much of the northeast of the UK. The weather warning covers Highlands & Eilean Siar and Orkney & Shetland in Scotland.
However, some experts predict heavy winds will also hit other coastlines along the UK. The “spell of very windy weather” is likely to lead to “travel disruption”, the weather agency said.
This includes impacting coastal routes and sea fronts with large waves, as well as possible loss of power and other services.
Delays to road, air and ferry transport are also “likely”.
While the worst of the winds will hit along the coast, speeds could still reach a substantial 60mph inland.
The weather warning is in place until 11am, although winds will remain throughout the day for much of the country.
The weather agency said: “Winds will increase quickly towards dawn Saturday across the Northern Isles with gusts generally reaching 50-60mph but with a smaller chance of 70mph gusts. Winds will quickly ease from late morning.”
The winds will accompany slightly warmer temperatures than in recent days. The mercury is likely to reach 13C in Belfast and 12C in Glasgow, both typically in the colder regions of the UK.
However the country is still reeling from the impact of Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn.
With the ground saturated in various regions, the flood risk remains high.
Nine flood warnings were last night in place across England alone, including an alert for River Ouse in York city centre. The river burst its banks this week.
The closely consecutive storms has been attributed to the recent positions of jetstreams influencing low-pressure systems from the Atlantic. However, weather experts have also explained to Express.co.uk that climate change is likely having an impact on the number and severity of storms.
Today:
Outbreaks of rain slowly sinking south across northern Scotland, and slowing over the mainland. Elsewhere, dry with sunny spells, although cloudier later in the west with patchy drizzle. Very strong winds in the north, but lighter in the south. Mild.
Tonight:
Rain slowly returns north through the evening. Cloudy with drizzle in the north and west, but drier elsewhere with clear spells. Windy, with gales in the north. Mild for most.
Sunday:
On Sunday, remaining wet and windy in northwest. Generally dry in southeast, but cloudy at times, although some brighter spells possible. Very mild.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Turning more unsettled into the new working week, with some drier interludes, but less wet and windy than seen recently.
