A STATUS Yellow weather warning has been issued as Storm Caroline is set to batter the west coast of Ireland.
Warnings have been issued from both Met Éireann and the British Met Office concerning Storm Caroline's path over Ireland and Scotland.
Met Éireann have said a wind warning is in place for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry as the Atlantic storm will bring severe strong winds over Ireland.
The Irish weather service said northwest winds of 55 to 65 are expected to gust 100 to 110 km/h, with strongest winds in coastal areas and over high ground until Thursday evening.
The gusts will then travel east from Ireland as the Met Office has said that developing areas of low pressure will bring gales to parts of northern and western Scotland on Thursday morning.
Wind gusts up to 80mph are expected across north-facing coastal location in the western and northern isles as well as the majority of Scotland from Oban to Aberdeen.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “The strongest winds will reach the northwest of Scotland early on Thursday, extending to Northeast Scotland and the Northern Isles in the afternoon. During Thursday winds will start to ease in the west with the strongest of the winds becoming confined to the Northern Isles in the evening.”
The strong winds may affect Scotland’s road, rail, air and ferry services, and longer journey times and cancellation of services are possible.
The Met Office also said as with any period of strong winds, there may be some short-term loss of power and effects on other services.
In addition, it is likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray or large waves.