The first named storm of the season - Storm Amy - is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK on Friday and Saturday, the Met Office has said.
A number of yellow weather warnings for rain and wind have been issued, bringing the possibility for flooding and disruption to transport, power supplies and outdoor activities.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tom Crabtree said: "Although there is still some uncertainty about the exact track Storm Amy will take, the system will bring gale force winds across northern and western regions, with gusts widely reaching 50 to 60mph inland in northern Britain, and potentially reaching 70 to 80mph in places."
He said "even stronger gusts" are forecast on exposed coasts and hills, mainly in the northwest.
Heavy rainfall is also expected, in particular over western Scotland, where totals could exceed 30 to 50 mm in six to nine hours, increasing the risk of localised flooding, he added.
"Forecasts and warnings will be updated as the situation becomes more clear, therefore it is important to keep an eye forecast for your area over the coming days," he said.
A further 30 to 50mm of rain is expected to fall there, with as much as 60 to 80mm over west-facing mountains from late Wednesday through Thursday night.
A yellow warning for wind is in place in Nothern Ireland from 4pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday.
A second wind warning covers northwestern England and Scotland from 6pm to midnight on Saturday.
A third yellow warning for rain is in place across western Scotland from 12pm on Friday until midnight.
Before the storm hits a yellow warning for rain will be in place across western parts of Scotland from 5pm on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday.
Martin Thomson, from Transport Scotland, said: "The rain and wind will bring difficult driving conditions, such as reduced visibility and surface water, and are also likely to affect the ferry and rail networks, so it's important to plan your journey ahead of time.
"Motorists should use the Traffic Scotland website before they set off to make sure that their route is available, and you should check with your operator if you are planning to travel on trains, ferries and flights."