Winds of up to 90mph are predicted to hit the north west of Scotland as amber weather warnings are issued by the Met Office.
The whole country is going to be affected overnight by high winds as a deep low pressure system sweeps across.
Public transport was cancelled after 6pm and after-school clubs abandoned in the Western Isles.
Dundee United’s match at Motherwell was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and high winds.
At 5pm a wind speed of 74mph was recorded in South Uist with stronger winds expected between 9pm and 3am.
Although it is expected to ease off after that, wind speeds will continue to reach 70mph in the north west on Wednesday.
Billy Payne, a forecaster for Meteogroup, said: “A deep low pressure system is coming up from the south west and will continue to move north east overnight ending up north of Shetland.
“Maximum wind speeds will be between 85 and 90mph and the highest winds will be around the exposed coast of the north west, particularly Skye and the mainland as well as the northern isles.
“The winds will not be as strong through the central belt and in Aberdeen and Dundee with speeds of 50 to 60mph.
“The strongest winds will be at 9pm to 3am but will stay strong in the far north reaching 70mph through the day in areas such as Caithness and Sutherland.”
Amber “be prepared” weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for Orkney, Shetland, the Highlands and Strathclyde while the rest of the country is covered by yellow “be aware” warnings.
Inspector Robbie MacDonald of Northern Constabulary said: “With the impending spell of extreme weather we are due to experience this evening and into tomorrow, I would encourage members of the public not to travel unless it is necessary and have provisions in their homes for possible power cuts.
“If travel is essential the public should avoid exposed or coastal areas where gusts could cause significant harm to individuals.
“Also with high tide expected around 8pm this evening, those travelling on causeways or low lying roads should listen to local radio and keep informed as to whether there are any road closures.
“Taking measures to secure items outside properties such as garden furniture and scaffolding, and checking in on elderly neighbours to ensure they have all the necessary provisions is also encouraged.”