Traffic on the Forth and Tay road bridges has been disrupted as Storm Henry sweeps in.
Forth Road Bridge operators Amey had predicted the bridge might fully close at around 9pm but worsening conditions forced a decision to do so shortly before 2pm on Monday.
It reopened to cars and single deckers at around 4.30pm but, with the wind forecast to increase in strength, it is expected to close again later in the evening.
The strongest winds are likely between 9pm and midnight, and very strong winds are forecast into Tuesday morning.
Please be advised bridge now closed to all vehicles n/b & s/b due to severe weather. Please #beaware. Please consider retweet. #stormhenry
— Forth Road Bridge (@forthroadbridge) February 1, 2016
The Tay Road Bridge is also closed to all high-sided vehicles, and officials expect a full closure from around 10pm.
Car drivers have been advised to check the conditions before they travel, while public transport is likely to be affected.
Tay Road Bridge manager Alan Hutchison urged drivers to “respect the restrictions” put in place for safety.
He said the forecast predicts gusts of 72mph from 4pm on Monday, increasing to ‘red’ gusts of over 80mph at 10pm at which point the bridge will close.
Please respect our restrictions before you blow over. Storm Henry is due to intensify this afternoon and overnight. https://t.co/ImmoNz9WaU
— Tay Road Bridge (@tay_road_bridge) February 1, 2016
Winds are expected to remain over 80mph through the night until 7am on Tuesday morning.
Mr Hutchison added: “Looking at the forecast restrictions could be in place. We have a full closure when wind speed reaches 80mph. We ask people to respect the restrictions and plan their travel in advance.”You can follow bridge status updates on Twitter at: @forthroadbridge and @tay_road_bridge.