Police have told drivers to prepare for the worst as Tayside and Fife prepares to be battered by gusts of up to 75mph.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for wind, effective across Angus, Dundee, north-east Fife, the north-east, and the Highlands and islands. It is in place from Monday until 6am on Tuesday.
Police Scotland said drivers taking to the roads in the affected regions should be “adequately prepared” for the severe conditions – with people being told to bring supplies and warm clothes in their vehicles, and to fully charge their phones.
Angus, Dundee and Fife have been named among the “most affected areas” and Chief Inspector Stewart Mackie, of the force’s road policing division, said drivers should not ignore the yellow warning when taking to the roads.
He added: “Very strong winds are expected to affect northern and eastern Scotland with gusts of 65-75 mph likely, particularly in the far north and north-east, before winds gradually ease from the west during Tuesday morning.
“The areas most affected are Angus, Dundee, Fife, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Na h-Eileanan Siar, Highland, Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands.
“Police Scotland is advising all drivers to travel with extra caution and ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours.
“Charge your mobile phone and plan your route as well as alternative routes.
“If you are driving a vehicle which may be vulnerable to being blown over in such conditions along exposed routes including bridges, please exercise additional caution and plan your route to avoid exposed areas or consider cancelling your journey until conditions improve.
“Previous incidents have clearly shown the dangers of driving such vehicles and the subsequent danger created for other road users, emergency services and recovery operatives where incidents have occurred due to drivers ignoring warnings.
“Winter driving is a question of common sense and all drivers should ask themselves if they really need to travel when conditions are poor. No-one should ever place themselves at risk on the road and it may be worth making alternative arrangements such as delaying travel until conditions improve or using public transport.”
The Met Office weather warning states: “Very strong winds are expected to affect northern and parts of eastern Scotland on Monday and Monday night. Gusts of 65 to 75 mph are likely, particularly in the far north and northeast, before winds gradually ease from the west during Tuesday.”
