Western Scotland is expected to bear the brunt of Storm Gareth as it continues to sweep across the UK into Wednesday morning.

The Met Office has issued yellow wind warnings as severe gusts of between 55mph to 65mph are expected to sweep across the Hebrides and western mainland.

Sepa issued nine flood alerts on Tuesday night covering Ayrshire and Arran, Tayside, Argyll and Bute, Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, Skye and Lochaber, the Western Isles and western and central regions.

Flood warnings - representing a serious risk of flooding - were also issued for Ayr and Troon and areas around the River Earn.

Residents in these areas are also warned that power cuts could be a possibility if the high winds cause damage to power lines.

Alex Burkill from the Met Office forecast "some showers mainly in the north and west of the UK and there will be severe coastal gales that will ease as the day goes on".

He added: "Morning rush hour is likely to be disrupted so allow extra time and be wary of any transport closures.

"Beware flying debris, and damage to buildings is not out of the question, along with large waves in coastal areas."

The conditions are coming from the Atlantic in the west, where a deep low pressure system will bring wet weather and winds, with travel disruption likely in the morning.

The Met Office also advised people to tie down or put away loose items in the garden and to take care outside.

Storm Gareth is expected to continue throughout Wednesday, the worst of the winds occurring in the early hours, which will gradually begin to ease later on in the afternoon as the storm moves out to the north sea.

There were strong winds of 70mph in South Uist in the Western Isles on Tuesday, while gusts of 67mph hit areas in Northern Ireland.