As predicted and highlighted here back at the start of the week, Scotland is getting hammered today by the strongest system yet with widespread gusts to 70 mph but we’ve even seen exposed low elevation areas such as South Uist Range and Forth Road Bridge record gusts over 90 mph.

Stunning visible satellite view of the storm as it passed north of Shetland this afternoon.

MANY lorries were blown over today.

There has been significant damage to structures in places.

This was the scene at Oxgangs Primary School in Edinburgh this morning.

RED warnings have been issued for Orkney and Shetland where gusts of 100+mph is expected this afternoon.

Cairngorm clocked a 144 mph gust earlier.

Wave heights approaching 50ft possible near Shetland this afternoon.

As Storm Gertrude lifts up into the Norwegian Sea, the jet will drop south allowing colder air to sweep in so expect to see showers become wintry later today and especially tonight even towards sea level.

Winds will remain significant throughout today and tomorrow also.

Expect a day of wind and sleet and snow showers, feeling bitter in the gale-force west wind.

GFS surface for early Sat AM. Expect blizzard conditions within the mountains while light accumulation can’t be ruled out even at low levels tonight and tomorrow.

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Next storm system arrives Monday morning.

We look to get a south, southeast moving (weaker) system mid next week then another potentially deep, stormy low makes an approach this day next week.

The temperature rollercoaster shall continue through this weekend and next week. Warmth surges north ahead of systems and cold follows in their wake.

See video for the discussion.

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Tags: Storm Gertude, UK Storm