The warning is in place on Wednesday from 8am to 5pm, with rain showers which could turn heavy.

Winds of 80mph are expected, with damage to buildings and disruption to transport networks possible.

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Met Office chief forecaster Laura Paterson said: “Storm Ali is expected to bring a spell of very strong winds to northern parts of the UK through Wednesday, particularly Northern Ireland, central and southern Scotland and the far northwest of England.

Storm Ali will hit central Scotland tomorrow, as the amber warning shows.

“As this is the first spell of very strong winds of the season, and given that most trees are still in full leaf, we are likely to see some dangerous conditions with falling trees and flying branches and other debris likely.

“Strong winds will be accompanied by heavy, squally showers.”

Mark McLaughlin, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Hydrology Duty Manager, said: “SEPA is continuing to monitor coastal conditions over the coming days, and will provide further updates as appropriate.

“We would encourage the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas susceptible to flooding and sign up to Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for the most up to date alerts.”

The winds will gradually ease later on Wednesday, firstly across Northern Ireland, northwest Wales and northern England, and then across Scotland. The outlook for the remainder of the week is rather unsettled with further strong winds and heavy rain expected across most parts of the UK. A Yellow rain warning has been issued for parts of Wales and northwest England on Thursday.

The Met Office also gives the following details:

• Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life

• Probably some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs or damage through falling trees and branches breaking

• Longer journey times and cancellations likely, as road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected

• Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

• Some roads and bridges likely to close

• Large waves could affect coastal roads, sea fronts and properties

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Fife weather: Amber warning as Storm Ali to hit Kingdom