Weather experts are warning Moray residents to batten down the hatches with severe storms being predicted for this weekend.
The entire north of Scotland is expected to be hit on Friday and into Saturday, with the Met Office issuing a yellow ‘be prepared’ warning.
A spokesman said: “A vigorous depression is expected to develop over the Atlantic during Thursday in association with a very strong jet stream.
“The depression is likely to run rapidly east northeast to pass northern Scotland early on Friday bringing a brief period of very strong winds to many northern areas of Britain.
“At present there remains some uncertainty in the precise track and depth of this depression and therefore the exact strength and location of the strongest winds. As such, the situation remains somewhat uncertain and the public should keep up to date with the latest warnings.”
If the storm develops as predicted winds in the region of 60-70mph may develop with the Met Office warning that had the potential for disruption to transport.
STV Weatherman Sean Batty said: “This storm brings a real risk of very disruptive and potentially dangerous conditions. The strongest winds at this stage are expected to cross the Western Isles, Caithness, Orkney, Moray and north Aberdeenshire. Wind gusts in this system could be in excess of 90mph.
“On Saturday, a colder air flow will come into the north west of the country, which is likely to also bring frequent wintry showers and the risk of blizzard-like conditions in passing showers.
“Beyond the weekend it looks as if high pressure will continue to dominate over Spain and France with low pressure to the north of Scotland. This means there will be a continuation of the unsettled theme with further spells of wet and windy weather.”