Winds of up to 65mph are battering the north and north-east, with flood alerts also now in place in several areas.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, and travellers are being advised to expect some disruption.
Parts of Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen are forecast to face gusts of up to 65mph until 9pm on today.
Sepa meanwhile has warned that the heavy and persistent rain could cause flooding until tomorrow morning. An alert has been issued for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Findhorn, Moray and Speyside and Orkney.
Particularly at risk are urban areas and the transport network, with flooding expected on low-lying land and roads, which will lead to difficult driving conditions.
Strong winds in both areas are likely to affect transport and those travelling are warned to be prepared for longer journey times and disruption.
Coastal communities might also be affected by spray or large waves.
Trains, ferries and buses cancelled
ScotRail has warned that some disruption to services is to be expected until 9pm on Thursday.
All services from Inverurie to Aberdeen and Montrose were cancelled on Wednesday, while trains from Aberdeen to Edinburgh terminated at Dundee.
Trains between Wick and Inverness will be cancelled on Thursday, with speed restrictions also imposed across the north and north-east due to the severe weather.
This is expected to cause further delays until 8pm.
Speed restrictions are in place for the following;
Falls of Cruchan-Taynuilt until 0800
Port Glasgow-Wemyss Bay until 0800
Kilmarnock-Gretna until 1700 tomorrow
Aberdeen-Inverurie from 1300 today until 2000 tomorrow
Glenfinnan-Mallaig from 2000 today until 0800— ScotRail (@ScotRail) November 2, 2022
Meanwhile the A83 at Rest and Be Thankful – which is prone to landslips – has been shut, with motorists diverted on to the Old Military Road until the morning.
A Bear Scotland spokesman said: “This decision has been taken as a safety precaution due to higher than anticipated rainfall today and brown water being observed in several hillside channels.
“Our team continues to have a presence on site and are monitoring conditions closely.
“A further update will be issued if the weather forecast or hillside conditions mean a change to the traffic management arrangement is needed.”
A number of ferries have also been cancelled, both by CalMac and Orkney Ferries.
🔶AMBER #Ullapool #Stornoway FREIGHT: 03Nov The following freight sailings are cancelled due to adverse weather with strong winds: Dep Stornoway 0100. Dep Ullapool 0500. Sailings are expected to operate as normal from 1700 on Thursday.
— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) November 2, 2022
Ferries cancelled
The following CalMac routes have either been cancelled or are subject to last-minute cancellations due to adverse weather:
- Ardrossan – Brodick
- Oban – Castlebay
- Oban – Colonsay- Port Askaig – Kennacraig
- Mallaig – Lochboisdale
- Gourock – Dunoon
- Kennacraig – Port Askaig
- Kennacraig – Port Ellen
- Ullapool – Stornoway
- Freight Ullapool – Stornoway
- Uig – Lochmaddy
- Mallaig – Arnadale
- Mallaig – Small Isles
- Fionnphort – Iona
- Tayinloan – Gigha
- Ardmhor – Eriskay
The following Orkney Ferries routes have also been cancelled:
- Sailings to Westray, Sanday, Eday and Stronsay
- Westray – Papa
- Servies to Moaness
Calmac and Orkney Ferries have told customers to keep checking their social media and websites for any updates on affected services.
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