The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings across the UK, with heavy rain and winds of up to 80mph expected over the coming days.
Extreme gusts could bring power cuts and travel disruption to parts of the country, while downpours may cause flooding in some areas.
The public has been warned of a “danger to life” from flying debris, large coastal waves and fast-flowing floodwater.
The first warning, covering north-west Scotland, is in place from 4pm on Wednesday to 9am on Thursday, advising of strong winds.
These are expected to spread to Northern Ireland and across northern England, where a similar yellow warning is in place from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning,
The Met Office has issued a wider warning for all of England, Wales, Northern Ireland for heavy rain and wind from 3pm on Friday until 6am on Sunday.
Around 15-25mm of rain could fall widely, particularly in central, northern and western parts of England. Wales faces the greatest risk of flooding, with downpours of 50-70mm expected in places.
Winds of 40-50mph are expected inland, while near the coast speeds could reach 60-70mph, with highs of 80mph in some areas.
The Met Office is warning of possible delays to road, rail and ferry travel, with some communities potentially being cut off due to flooding.
The advisory states: “A deep low may cross England and Wales from Friday afternoon, clearing to the east Saturday night.
“The low may bring a period of strong winds to much of the warning area, with some heavy rain likely to the north and west of the low centre, and some hill snow in the north (above about 200 metres).
“Around 15-25mm of rain may fall quite widely, more particularly across central, northern and western parts of England and Wales, with exposed higher ground in the north and west (particularly parts of Wales, which are at greatest risk of seeing flooding impacts) perhaps locally seeing closer to 50-70mm.
“Winds may quite widely gust to around 40-50mph inland but locally could gust in excess of 60mph, whilst around coasts, winds may gust to 60-70mph, perhaps locally nearer 80mph.
“The wind and rain may cause disruption to travel, with difficult driving conditions likely.”
The Met Office is advising people to take steps to protect their property from heavy winds.
It said: “Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds and fences.”
It adds in the warning: “If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea.”
A yellow warning for ice was in force until across much of the Highlands, north-east, central and south-eastern Scotland until 10am on Wednesday, as motorists faced disruption on the roads.
Snow gates were closed for a time at the Spittal of Glenshee northbound on the A93 and at Braemar southbound, and also on the A939 northbound at Cock Bridge and southbound at Tomintoul.
There were reports of cars stuck in snow further south in the Crianlarich area.
