Brits face a "very challenging" week as the UK is to be hit with two storms bringing severe gales and leading to an amber "danger to life" warning from the Met Office, said a minister.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning active from 4pm on Wednesday across central and south Scotland and the north of England, with gusts potentially hitting 90 miles per hour.
The amber warning is due to expire at midnight on Wednesday, when it will be downgraded to a yellow warning until 6am on Thursday.
Storm Dudley is due to be followed by Storm Eunice later this week, which could bring snow and freezing temperatures.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the weather could cause disruption to travel and power supplies.
"We expect another period of disruption this week, with Storms Dudley and Eunice set to bring strong winds to Scotland," he said.
"High winds may cause issues on roads and bridges, disruption to power supplies and danger from falling trees. We would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads, and follow the latest travel advice."
Following a meeting of the Scottish Government's Resilience Room, the deputy first minister said they would continue to monitor the situation as the storms approach.
On Twitter, Mr Swinney added: "Resilience meeting @scotgov just completed. The next few days will be very challenging with #StormDudley.
"Please see @ScotRail plans and follow advice there is a high risk of disruption to travel. Please #StaySafe."
ScotRail also announced that services in areas threatened by severe weather would end at 4pm on Wednesday for safety reasons.
"Scotland is bracing itself for Storm Dudley tomorrow," the rail operator said on Twitter.
"The welfare of our customers and staff is most important, so for safety reasons most ScotRail train services will shut down from 1600 on Wednesday."
Services in the far north, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Aberdeen-Inverness lines will continue to run as usual because the areas are outside the boundaries of the weather warning.
The amber warning stretches through central and southern parts of Scotland as well as northern England.
The Met Office states: “Storm Dudley is expected to affect the UK later on Wednesday, bringing a period of very strong and disruptive winds.”
People have been warned “Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, and some roads and bridges are likely to close, leading to longer journey times and cancellations.
“Probably some fallen trees and damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs. There is a good chance that power cuts may occur with the potential to affect other services such as mobile phone coverage.
“Injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.”
