An amber wind alert has been issued for parts of the UK as much of the country braces for Storm Dave.

There are five separate weather warnings due to take effect on Saturday, with the worst of the wind expected to hit southern Scotland, northern England and Wales.

Meanwhile snow predicted to hit the west Highlands, Argyll and the Western Isles from 14:00.

All of Scotland is covered by various wind alerts and power firm SSEN predicts gusts could reach about 80mph in parts of the Western Isles and Skye.

High winds will also hit Orkney and Shetland on Sunday.

It is likely both public transport and road travel will be impacted and anyone travelling should take extra care and plan ahead, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) said.

Northern Ireland will be hit with high winds first from 14:00, while southern Scotland and northern parts of Wales and England will see gusts from 17:00. These areas are covered by yellow warnings.

Stronger winds are expected in the amber zones from 19:00.

The rest of Scotland will see strong winds from 18:00, with all warnings expiring on Sunday - at midday at the latest.

Orkney and Shetland have a warning for Sunday until 15:00, with peak gusts of 60-70mph forecast and "slight chance" of 85mph in exposed areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "A rapidly deepening area of low pressure, Storm Dave, is likely to move north-eastwards close to or across north-western parts of the UK during Saturday evening and night, clearing to the North Sea by Sunday."

They added: "Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely, with 60-70 mph in more exposed locations.

"Large waves may lead to some dangerous conditions around windward coasts."

Police Scotland said people should delay their journeys if possible.

Ch Supt Scott McCarren, head of road policing, said: "Stopping distances can be at least double on wet roads compared to dry conditions, and spray can reduce driver visibility.

"HGV and bus drivers should drive with extreme caution and be aware you may be asked to park at a suitable position by the police."

He added: "If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and take extra time for your journey."

ScotRail has asked passengers to check its social media and journey check website for updates.

West coast ferry operator CalMac warned that sailings could be disrupted or cancelled - some timetables have already been amended and the last ferry to Arran is earlier than usual.

Highlands and Islands Airports also said the adverse weather could impact on flights.

Hills across central and the north-west of Scotland could also see sleet and snow during the weekend.

A yellow weather warning for heavy snow and blizzards has been issued for 14:00 on Saturday to 03:00 on Sunday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Outbreaks of snow will spread from the south during the afternoon, this becoming heavy at times later in the afternoon and evening, before clearing in the early hours.

"Strengthening winds will bring drifting of lying snow with the chance of blizzard conditions over the more exposed areas."

Forecasters said accumulating snow on roads would mostly be in areas above 656ft (200m), where up to 12in (30cm) was possible.

Between 2in (5cm) and 4in (10cm) is likely in low areas.

By late Sunday, the worst of the weather should have cleared.

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