Stirling is bracing for winds of up to 80mph as an amber weather warning has been issued for the area.
Storm Dudley is expected to cause disruption on Wednesday as strong winds are set to batter much of the country.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning that includes Central, Tayside and Fife, comprising Stirling, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Perth and Kinross and Fife.
The warning is in place from 4pm until midnight.
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The gales could bring disruption to road, rail and ferry services and some roads and bridges are likely to close, leading to longer journey times and cancellations. There is the likelihood for fallen trees and damage to buildings and a strong possibility that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage.
In coastal areas, injuries and danger to life is likely from large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and properties.
A Met Office forecaster said: “Very strong westerly winds are expected to develop across western Scotland and northern Northern Ireland late Wednesday and extend eastward across southern Scotland and northern England during the evening. There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds but there is the potential for inland wind gusts of 70-80mph in places. Gusts of 80-90mph are possible around exposed coasts and hills.”
