Residents are braced for snow and wind across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire as Storm Éowyn brings gusts of up to 90mph.
Met Office forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for wind affecting the whole of the north and north-east.
The 24-hour warning will come into effect from midnight on Friday and remain in force until 23.59pm on Saturday.
Residents in coastal communities such as Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, are braced to see the worst of the conditions, with breaking waves predicted to “sweep you off your feet”.
In addition, a warning for snow has been issued for inland areas beginning from 3am and lasting until noon on Friday.
These include places like Ballater, Braemar, Aviemore, Dingwall, Fort William and much of the West Coast.
Those living on higher ground are warned of “blizzard conditions” due to Storm Éowyn.
Forecasters warn of “injuries and danger to life” due to flying debris as commuters are warned of delays to rail, road, air and ferry services.
There is also the risk of widespread power cuts.
Storm Éowyn brings wind warning but it’s path is uncertain
In a statement, the Met Office admits the storm’s trajectory is uncertain and that the public should remain vigilant.
A spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn is expected to pass close to or across the northwest of the UK on Friday before clearing to the northeast on Saturday.
“While there is some uncertainty in the track of Éowyn, a spell of very strong winds is likely, initially southeasterly before turning westerly.
“There will be peak gusts of 50-60 mph inland, 60-70 mph around some coasts and hills and perhaps up to 80 mph in exposed parts of western Scotland.
“The wind strength will gradually ease across southern areas later on Friday.”
The Isle of Skye will be among the worst affected with gusts of 90mph forecast to hit Portree on Friday afternoon.
Elsewhere, 84mph winds will batter Ullapool and Inverness is predicted to endure speeds of 75mph.
In the north-east, Aberdeen and Lossiemouth will face winds of up to 74mph.
Neighbouring coastal communities will be hit by similar conditions.
Individuals along the coast are being advised to take care when walking near cliffs and keep dogs on a lead.
The storm was initially predicted to hit the west coast on Friday, but this warning was swiftly expanded to cover the whole of Northern Scotland.
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