Storm Abigail is set to affect Ireland today, resulting in warnings of strong winds nationwide.
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Ferry operator CalMac is warning of likely disruption to services and is urging travellers to “think carefully” if planning to visit the west coast.
It will approach the United Kingdom from the southwest before swinging to the north of Scotland, said Eddy Carroll, chief operational meteorologist at the Met office.
Initial yellow “be aware” warnings were issued for those areas but have since been upgraded to amber “be prepared” warnings.
A wind warning remains in place until 9pm on Friday night as Storm Abigail – the first officially named storm in both Ireland and the United Kingdom – moves northwards away from Ireland.
The Met Office in the United Kingdom meanwhile has predicted that the rest of today will remain “chilly with frequent showers” and the chance of gale-force winds on coastal areas.
While in a yellow warning was issued for for Munster, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan and Roscommon where winds are expected to right up to 35mph.
“Britain’s first official named storm has caused a flood of bets on record breaking weather this weekend and with strong winds expected, punters are bracing themselves for the current wind speed record being broken”, said Coral’s Nicola McGeady.
Thousands of homes lost power overnight as high winds and lightning hit the Western Isles and north of Scotland.
“The west has already seen lots of rain this week so flooding is highly likely as they could see up to 200mm of rain this weekend”.
“The sea conditions we are expecting could well be too treacherous to sail in”, said Drew Collier, the company’s operations director.
Met Éireann forecaster Siobhan Ryan said the winds look like they will peak in the west and north-western counties later in the afternoon and into the evening.
He said: “The naming of the storm may worry a few people, as this has not been done before”.
It is hoped that this will help to raise awareness of severe weather and ensure greater safety of the public.
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The Scottish Government’s Resilience team (SGoRR) have been in contact with the Met Office throughout the week, receiving regular updates on the developing weather system and its potential impacts.
