Residents of Moray are on flood alert following fears a 16ft wave could hit a coastal community.
Although environmental agency Sepa has assured residents of Garmouth that the wave would be at its worst out at sea, and will have dissipated by the time it hits the shore, locals were still on the look-out.
It comes as gale force winds, heavy rain and snow caused transport problems across the north.
Sleet and snow caused “extremely hazardous” slippy road conditions, with two cars colliding on A85 Oban to Perth road.
Six ferry services from Oban and Mallaig to the islands were also cancelled as wind speeds of up to 56mph hit the Western Isles.
The NorthLink routes between Orkney and Shetland were also disrupted.
Passengers are advised to expect delays throughout the week due to the wind.
Sepa has issued flood alerts for the Findhorn and Nairn areas due to surface water, with river and loch levels expected to rise due to intermittent rainfall.
But the agency and Met Office both stressed that a 16ft wave predicted to hit the Buckie region would be worst offshore, and would have “minor impact” on the community.
However, they said there could still be chance of flooding in areas along the coastline and urged motorists to be vigilant.
James Mackie, a member of Innes Community Council, said he was concerned about the potential coastal flood risk to Kingston and Garmouth.
In the last few years, Kingston beach has eroded extensively and in recent months, tides have pushed through the gravel bar at the beach.
Mr Mackie fears the beach and the nearby villagers would be at risk if a huge wave was to hit.
He added: “It’s always been an issue at Kingston but in recent years it’s just got worse and worse. Once the bar goes the sea will be in the back garden of people’s houses.”
A spokesman for the Sepa said: “With wet winter weather firmly upon us, the Kingston area is likely to see localised wave overtopping and spray along north facing coastlines for Monday and the first half of next week.
“People travelling or walking in the area are asked to be aware and keep up to date with the latest information, and register for text updates, from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s floodline service at floodline.sepa.”
Meanwhile, the A85 Oban-Perth road was closed for several hours between Tyndrum and Dalmally after a two-car crash at about noon.
The five occupants managed to free themselves before the emergency services arrived, and one was given oxygen at the scene.
A fire service spokeswoman added: “There was extremely hazardous snow on the road, with slippery conditions.”
A police spokeswoman said that a gritter had been dispatched to the area.
On Saturday, the A85 was flooded at Dunbeg while Oban’s Lochavullin Industrial Estate and at Soroba Road outside Lidl was also hit.