Amber alert for Storm Dave as Scotland to take brunt of wind and snow

An amber wind alert has been issued for parts of the UK as Storm Dave sweeps across much of the country.

The worst of the wind is expected to hit southern Scotland, northern England and Wales on Saturday evening.

A snow alert covers the west Highlands, Argyll and the Western Isles until the early hours of Sunday.

All of Scotland is affected by various wind warnings and power firm SSEN predicts gusts could reach about 80mph in parts of the Western Isles and Skye.

High winds will also hit Orkney and Shetland on Sunday.

It is likely both public transport and road travel will be impacted and anyone travelling should take extra care and plan ahead, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said.

Yellow warnings for wind are already in effect for Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern parts of England and Wales.

Stronger winds are expected in the amber zones from 19:00.

All warnings expire on Sunday, at midday at the latest.

Orkney and Shetland have a warning for Sunday from midnight until midday on Sunday, with peak gusts of 60-70mph forecast and a "slight chance" of 85mph in exposed areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move north-eastwards close to or across north-western parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday."

They added: "Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations.

"Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts."

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has issued flood alerts for the River Nith, Loch Ryan and the coast between Ayr and Troon.

Eight lower level flood alerts are also in place for coastal parts of north and west Scotland.

Snow has been falling in the Highlands and islands with a yellow alert in effect until 03:00. Forecasters said accumulations on roads would mostly be in areas above 656ft (200m), where up to 12in (30cm) was possible.

Between 2in (5cm) and 4in (10cm) is likely in low areas.

By late Sunday, the worst of the weather should have cleared.

Police Scotland said people should delay their journeys if possible.

Insp Steve Manson said: "The amber warning for wind means there is a high risk of disruption on the road network and travel conditions may be hazardous.

"Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

"HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police."

He added: "If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and take extra time for your journey."

Traffic Scotland said the A9 was restricted in both directions at the Pass of Drumochter due to adverse weather on Saturday evening.

ScotRail has asked passengers to check its social media and journey check website for updates.

West coast ferry operator CalMac has cancelled a number of services and other timetables have been amended.

Highlands and Islands Airports also said the adverse weather could impact on flights.

Meanwhile holiday sites in Wales have reported cancelled stays over the blustery conditions.

In Northern Ireland, some council facilities are closed and visitors have been advised to stay clear of parks and nature reserves.

In England, National Highways said people should plan ahead and adjust their travel plans as the RAC warned extra care should be taken on exposed, higher routes.