The forecaster has warned of possible disruption to power supplies and “the potential for some structural damage”.

There are also to be restrictions on some bridges and disruption to ferries and flights.

Caledonian MacBrayne began cancelling ferry services on Tuesday, including crossings from Oban to Coll and Tiree, Ullapool to Stornoway, and Mallaig to Armadale on Skye.</s>Gusts of up to 90mph are set to batter parts of Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland over Christmas as Storm Barbara wreaks havoc over the festive period.

Forecasters have warned that power supplies may be hit, ferries delayed and bridges closed due to strong winds on Friday and Christmas Eve.

Western and northern Scotland are expected to be worst-affected by the gale-force winds – overnight on Friday.

An amber weather warning – meaning be prepared – is in place for the Scottish highlands and Shetlands, where gusts of 80-90mph are forecast into Christmas Eve.

Parts of Northern Ireland and northern England will also be hit, the Met Office has warned, with gales of between 60mph and 80mph expected on Friday and the early hours of Christmas Eve.

Forecasters said Storm Barbara had the potential to disrupt travel over the Christmas period and urged people to make alternative plans.



Nicky Maxey, from the Met Office, said: “It has the potential to be quite disruptive so we would urge people to think about their travel arrangements if they’re trying to get away for Christmas.

“There is a risk that it could disrupt power supplies, bring disruption to ferries and flights, bring restrictions on bridges – it’s quite important people think about their travel arrangements as much as they can.”

The gusts could cause chaos on the roads for the 3.5 million drivers predicted by the RAC to be planning a Christmas getaway on Friday, with 3.8 million expected to take to the roads on Christmas Eve.

Snowfall of up to 10cm has been forecast in upland areas of western and central Highlands.

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has said 21 of its 26 routes had already been disrupted by the weather, with several services cancelled.</s>Scots travelling to visit friends and family for festive celebrations are being warned to brace themselves as Storm Barbara blasts parts of the country with 90mph winds on Friday and Christmas Eve.

Yellow ‘be aware’ warnings for high wind have been put in place across the whole of Scotland from tomorrow until Saturday, but the second named storm of the season is set to sweep in from noon on Friday and continue into Saturday.

Parts of the north and north-west will be hardest hit by Barbara, with widespread gusts of 80mph to 90mph predicted.

Forecasters have warned of possible disruption to transport, damage to property and power cuts.

They say bridges, ferry services and flights are likely to be affected by the high winds, so travellers are being advised to avoid unnecessary journeys during the peak of the storm

The danger level has been raised to amber in certain areas from noon on Friday to 6am on Saturday.

Nicky Maxey, a spokeswoman for the met Office, said: “In that amber area we’re expecting to see gusts of 80mph quite widely, with isolated gusts of 90mph.

“The worst of those gusts are likely to be later on Friday and into Saturday, that overnight period, in parts of western and northern Scotland.

“Within the yellow warning area we’re looking winds of 60mph to 70mph, with isolated gusts of 80mph.

“There is the potential that these gusts could cause structural damage and bring down power cables, so we may find interruption to electricity supplies.

“We could see restrictions on bridges, disruption to ferries and it may impact on flights.

“It’s a period when lots of people are planning to travel for Christmas festivities, so certainly they should check with providers before setting off and expect adverse conditions.”

The Met Office said the storm comes as a deep depression moves north-eastwards across the Atlantic, passing close to the north-west of Scotland on Friday evening and overnight into Saturday.

Storm Barbara will have blown away by Christmas Day, but unsettled conditions are expected to continue.

However, early indications suggest there will be a calmer picture as we head through next week towards Hogmanay and New Year.</s>FIFA has fined all four home nations for displaying poppies during World Cup qualifiers around Armistice Day.

England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the symbol when they met at Wembley on 11 November.

Wales and Northern Ireland’s respective games featured displays on the pitch or in the stands to mark the event.

England’s Football Association will appeal against the fine of 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,311), with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland yet to decide.

Scotland and Wales were both fined 20,000 Sfr (£15,694), and Northern Ireland 15,000 Sfr (£11,770).

Fifa disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said he “fully respected” the commemorations but stressed the rules “need to be applied to all member associations”.

“The display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited,” he added.

“In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.”

Why have the countries been punished?

According to the rule-making International Football Association Board (IFAB), players cannot wear “political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images”.

But both England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the poppy symbol during England’s 3-0 win.

There was also a display of poppies on big screens, a minute’s silence, playing of the Last Post and poppy T-shirts handed to the crowd.

Following Wales’ 1-1 draw at home to Serbia the next day, Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings looking at “fans in the stands wearing the poppy” and the presence of “a member of the armed forces holding a bunch of poppies at the exit of the tunnel”, according to the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

The holding of a minute’s silence, the laying of a wreath and a poppy display by fans before Northern Ireland’s 4-0 win over Azerbaijan on 11 November have led to the punishment of the Irish FA.

Fifa has also punished the Republic of Ireland with a 5,000 Sfr fine (£3,930) after its players wore shirts commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising earlier this year.

How have the home nations responded?

An FA spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the Fifa disciplinary committee, which we intend to appeal. As a first step, we have written today to Fifa requesting the grounds for the decision.”

Scottish FA (SFA) chief executive Stewart Regan says it is “clearly disappointing” that Fifa has ruled the poppy is a political symbol.

The SFA board will discuss the issue on Tuesday to decide on any appeal and will request the full reasons from the governing body.

It also plans to discuss the issue with the FA, FAW and Irish FA in the coming days.

The Irish FA said it was “disappointed”, adding it “will take further legal advice before deciding on a future course of action”.

The FAW has yet to respond.

Sports Minister Crouch said: “It is disappointing that Fifa has not recognised the sentiment of the poppy, which is not a political symbol.

“Poppies are a poignant tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, and footballers and fans alike should be able to wear them with pride.”

How did we get here?

In 2011, Fifa agreed that the England, Scotland and Wales teams could wear poppies on black armbands during November internationals.

England wore them during their 1-0 friendly win over Spain at Wembley, Scotland did so in a match against Cyprus and Wales wore them against Norway.

However, this year, under new president Gianni Infantino, Fifa indicated they could punish teams for breaking the rule before the November matches.

That led to UK Prime Minister Theresa May calling Fifa’s stance “outrageous”,” adding that it would be “absolutely right” for players to wear poppies.

A points deduction was also a possible punishment open to Fifa.

There is a strong determination within the FA to seek a legal resolution over poppies and the issue could end up at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

The court’s question would be, in effect: “Is the poppy a political symbol?”

Senior FA figures fear that the situation will be repeated the next time England play on or close to Remembrance weekend, which could be as early as next November if they are required to take part in a play-off for a place in the 2018 World Cup.

Fifa would hear an appeal in the first instance, and if they uphold the decision then it is highly likely the FA will take the case to Cas.

The other home nations will discuss the issue this week and could also appeal against their sanctions.</s>Strong winds and lightning could cause disruption to travel and power supplies across some parts of Scotland, forecasters have warned.

The Met Office has issued yellow "be aware" warnings of wind for much of Scotland which are valid from 6am on Wednesday until 6pm on Thursday.

Cold and blustery westerly winds are expected to bring heavy and frequent wintry showers across northern and western Scotland on both days.

Gales are likely at times along the west coast and the Northern Isles with winds gusting to around 55mph, while snow is expected on upland areas, with 5cm to 10cm possible on higher routes across the western and central Highlands.

The Met Office said frequent lightning may be an additional hazard across the Northern and Western Isles and the west coast in particular with the potential for disruption to power supplies.

Stormy conditions are expected to continue up to Christmas as Storm Barbara arrives at the end of the week.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: "There will be blustery westerly winds coming through with heavy frequent wintry showers and we could see accumulations of snow on higher ground and maybe some slushy stuff at lower levels.

"We also expect some lightning and the chance of some icy roads. The lightning could also affect power supplies and there may be some power cuts.

"That is a weather system that is coming through from Wednesday to Thursday."

The Met Office has issued a severe amber storm warning which lasts from midday on December 23 until 6am on Christmas Eve.

Forecasters said Storm Barbara's arrival could bring structural damage or overhead wire problems in the north of Scotland, with lightning joining snow in the weather mix, while travel and ferry services could be disrupted.

Drew Collier, operations director at ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne, advised passengers to visit the company's website or follow its Twitter feed for the latest information.

He said: "The west of Scotland is facing storms and high winds in the run-up to Christmas and the start of the following week.

"We would advise anyone planning to travel by ferry over the holiday period to take this into account and plan accordingly."

Disruption to the transport network and restrictions on road bridges and cancellations at airports are also expected.

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: "Our National Traffic Control Centre will be operational across the period with our multi-agency response team active on the days leading up to Christmas.

"Ferries are particularly susceptible to disruption due to high winds and we may also see some disruption to flights.

"Those planning to fly or use ferries this festive period should check with their operators for the latest information and consider the forecast as part of their plans."

Mr Yousaf said additional staff and specialist equipment would be brought in to deal with effects on the railways.

He added: "Our operating companies will be out on the network to clear any debris from the trunk roads and to make sure that the risk of any flooding is minimised where possible."</s>The weather is expected to become unsettled in Northern Ireland over Christmas weekend.

The worst of the weather is expected in the north and west of the Province and severe weather warnings are in place.

The stormy weather is due to start on Friday and Saturday and is expected to continue until early next week.

“After recent relatively quiet and dry conditions, much more unsettled weather is heading our way in the lead-up to Christmas with the second named storm of the season, Storm Barbara, expected on Friday,” said Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Tubbs.

“This brings the potential for some structural damage, disruption to power supplies and travel, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries likely.

“The disturbed conditions look like continuing through Christmas weekend with another vigorous low pressure system waiting in the wings. So, whatever your plans over the next few days it’s worthwhile staying up to date with the latest Met Office forecasts, which is easy to do on our app.”

Keep up to date with the weather forecast in your area by visiting the Met Office website.</s>The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning this morning as 'Storm Barbara' is set to batter the North West over the Christmas period.

Residents in the North West should expect strong southwesterly winds to develop on Friday (23 December) with gusts of 60 to 70 mph likely say the Met Office.

People in the North West should also prepare themselves for a not so merry Christmas with the potential for structural damage - as well as disruption to power supplies and travel, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries.

The warning is valid from 9am on Friday Morning until 9am on Saturday morning with winds expected to moderate by Saturday morning.

A Chief Forecaster for the Met Office said: "A deep depression, now named Barbara, will move northeastwards across the Atlantic, passing close to the northwest of Scotland later Friday and overnight into Saturday.

"South to southwesterly winds will increase earliest across the west of the warning area early on Friday, before the strongest winds develop across western then northern Scotland later on Friday and overnight into Saturday."

The warning comes after residents in Lancashire were warned to expect a wet rather than white Christmas by online weather app Weather Online yesterday.</s>Britain faces 12 days of Christmas storms hitting travellers and shoppers from tomorrow to New Year’s Day – with 70mph Storm Barbara predicted to strike on Christmas Day.

Millions face storm delays as they travel home to see loved ones, while post-Christmas shopping is set to be dented by tempests.

Falling trees and floods threaten roads and rail lines. Train and airline strikes will add to disruption.

The RAC predicted a 20 per cent spike in breakdowns on storm-hit days and put extra staff on duty for Christmas Day due to gales forecast.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “It looks like a storm-force Christmas on the roads.

“Conditions could turn treacherous with high winds and the risk of standing water flooding roads.

“People should consider changing journeys times to avoid the worst conditions and plan a back-up route.”

The Met Office forecast gales from tomorrow evening over the 12 days to New Year’s Day, starting with 70mph gales and 40mm of rain in the North-West into Wednesday.

Government forecasters warned millions of travellers of wet and windy conditions spreading to most parts from Friday – a peak travel day as many finish work.

Christmas Day is due another battering with 70mph gusts forecast by MeteoGroup.

The Met Office will name a storm when it has the risk of amber or red warnings for wind or rain.

It will be the second storm of the season after Storm Angus’ 97mph winds, power cuts and floods last month.

British Weather Services predicted the Christmas Day storm would be named Barbara due to its severity.

The Met Office forecast “deep Atlantic depressions” continuing to arrive until New Year’s Day, set to hit sales shoppers and millions on trips to visit relatives.

Snow also threatens the North at times.

Met Office forecaster Olly Claydon said: “We’re keeping the situation under constant review and, if a storm is named, we will make an announcement.

“People travelling over Christmas should check the forecast and any warnings before travelling.

“It looks wet and windy from Tuesday evening onwards, with gusts up to 70mph and 20-40mm of rain possible on Wednesday in western Scotland.

“We are keeping an eye on low pressure systems coming in from Friday, with wet and windy conditions on Christmas Day.

“The outlook to January 1 is for a succession of deep Atlantic depressions bringing bands of heavy rain across all parts.

“Winds will often be strong, with periods of gales, and the potential for stormy conditions at times in the North-West, and colder interludes with the risk snow especially across high ground in the North.”

British Weather Services forecaster Jim Dale said: “Storm Barbara is targeting the UK for Christmas Day. Standby for fireworks.”</s>Britain faces being battered by torrential rain and gale-force winds over the Christmas period, the Met Office has warned.

Forecasters have predicted winds of up to 90mph will gust through northern and western parts of Scotland, including Inverness and Fort William, on Friday and have issued an amber "be prepared" weather warning.



 A Met Office spokesman said: "Travel disruptions will affect people travelling within the yellow and amber warning area as major disruption to bridges and travel networks is expected."

 The unsettled weather is expected to hit travel networks including rail, road and air services.



 Chris Tubbs, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Storm Barbara is forecast to form in the west Atlantic on Wednesday and will pass close to the north-west of the UK during Friday, bringing very strong winds and heavy rain.



 "This brings the potential for some structural damage, disruption to power supplies and travel, with restrictions on bridges and disruption to ferries likely."



 The Met Office has warned that winds will reach high speeds from noon on Friday to 6am on Saturday morning in northern Scotland.



 Heavy rain and blustery weather is also expected in the southern and eastern part of the UK over Friday - but conditions are set to improve on Saturday and Sunday.



 The Christmas Day storm is forecast to be the biggest to hit the UK for more than a year, as it threatens to top winds from Storm Angus in November.



 The Met Office also said it could not rule out a white Christmas - but added that it was unlikely.</s>Weather boffins say that Storm Barbara’s blustery stay in North Ayrshire is to last longer than expected.

Experts now predict that the strong winds that hit the area on Friday will last right up until Boxing Day (Monday).

Yesterday, the Met Office warned that winds of up to 90mph would batter the west coast.

A yellow warning for the area was issued, with other parts of Scotland receiving a more severe, amber warning.

Today's extended warning now means Christmas Day could see gusts exceeding 80mph in places, with an additional warning in place for Sunday, December 25 from 9am to 11.59pm.

The severe winds could lead to travel disruption for people on Christmas Day in relation to Ferry sailings and bridge restrictions.

The warning from the Met Office reads: “A further spell of very strong southwesterly winds is expected on Christmas Day (Sunday). Gusts of 50 to 60 mph are likely to occur quite widely, including to the east of high ground.

“Gusts of 60 to 70 mph will probably affect parts of northern Scotland, with a lower likelihood of gusts exceeding 80 mph across the far north of the mainland but quite possibly affecting the Northern Isles.

“Be aware of the potential for disruption to holiday travel plans (for example restrictions on bridges and delays to ferry services).

“Other impacts may include disruption to power supplies, the occurrence so soon after Storm Barbara is unlikely to help in this respect, large waves affecting coastal areas, while heavy rain in the West Highlands combined with snowmelt may lead to rising river levels.

The Met Office chief forecaster concludes: “A deepening depression will move northeastwards across the Atlantic, passing northern Scotland during the Christmas period and bringing a broad swathe of gales and severe gales to much of northern Britain.

“There remains a fair degree of uncertainty in the exact track and intensity of the depression, which reduces confidence concerning the threat of particularly strong winds across the far north.”

Read more news from Irvine and Kilwinning
The Met Office issues warnings for parts of Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland as Storm Barbara prepares to make landfall.