Train services from Helensburgh tomorrow have already been cancelled as the area prepares for flooding and wind gusting up to 70mph.
A flood alert has been issued by SEPA for Argyll and Bute, while the Met Office has issued an amber warning of high winds.
SEPA has warned that heavy rain expected from this evening (Thursday) onwards, adding: “This may lead to flooding of low lying land and roads from smaller watercourses and surface water.
“Also during Friday a combination of high winds and waves may cause some flooding along exposed coastal areas around the time of high water during Friday afternoon – high water at Helensburgh is approximately 3:30 pm.
“Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.”
Widespread disruption to ferries is expected, and Scotrail has suspended several services for tomorrow, including the West Highland line and trains from Helensburgh Central, saying that because of the weather it is ‘unlikely’ that alternative bus services will be available.
A spokesperson said: “Engineers are preparing to deploy across the network to inspect lines, repair damage and reopen routes as quickly as possible.”
West to southwesterly gales are expected are expected across the whole region tonight and tomorrow.
A Met Office spokesperson said: “ Winds are expected to widely gust 60-70 mph, possibly up to 80 mph along exposed coasts and over hills.
“Be prepared for the likelihood of difficult driving conditions and disruption to travel
“Some structural damage is also possible, as well as disruption to power supplies. Heavy rain and surface water will be additional hazards in places.
“A rapidly deepening area of low pressure is expected to track close to northern Scotland during Friday. There remains some uncertainty over the exact track of the depression and the depth of it, which in turn leads to uncertainty in the location and strength of the strongest winds.
“However, there is higher confidence now in the likelihood of a period of very strong winds early on Friday.
“Winds will be notably gusty over, and to the lee of, high ground. In addition, some very strong, squally gusts are likely as a cold front moves eastwards, affecting Northern Ireland first, then Scotland and northern England, before moving out into the North Sea by late morning.”
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