Police Scotland has issued a warning to Scots residents who could be affected by Storm Ashley.
The Met Office has issued an Amber warning for the Highlands and Eilean Siar and Argyll and Bute from 9am until midnight on Sunday.
A yellow weather warning for rain is in place across the rest of the country from midnight until 9am on Monday.
Police Scotland have advised motorists to “plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel where possible” ahead of the “strong likelihood” of disruption on roads, while Transport Scotland has warned of likely delays to public transport, including the country’s ferry network.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s head of road policing, said: “Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is completely roadworthy, with tyre pressure and tread meeting legal requirements.
“Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in the event you need to call for assistance and if it is likely you may be within your vehicle for long periods of time, take additional clothing and water with you.”
Last night the Met Office warned the storm had turned into a “category 3 cyclone”.
Winds of up to 110mph are expected in some areas, while 50-60mph could be seen inland.
The winds coincide with high spring tides and large waves which may lead to a greater risk of disruption along coasts.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said “very strong, severe gales” on Sunday coincide with high spring tides, which could also result in “very large waves”.
Mr Stroud said strong, gale force winds are due to continue through to Monday morning, meaning “fallen debris and trees” could affect commuters at the start of the week.
Road users in Scotland have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel where possible, while Sunday’s annual Great South Run in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been cancelled because of weather-related safety concerns.
ScotRail said services will be subject to “precautionary speed restrictions” from 4pm on Sunday until Monday morning for services in the west and north Highlands, Ayrshire and Stranraer. The same restrictions will be introduced between Perth and Inverness from 6pm.
The company warned that services on Monday morning could be affected by trees and debris on the track and asked customers to check their services before travelling.
Ferry operator CalMac said many of its services on the west coast of Scotland had been cancelled for the day on Sunday with several others liable to be disrupted.
The Met Office said Sunday will be a “widely windy day” with storm-force wins in the north-west.
Rain will spread eastwards ahead of sunny spells, but with gusty winds moving east during the afternoon.
Meteorologist Ellie Glaisyer said: “Parts of western Scotland could see gusts of 70-80mph during the afternoon. It will turn drier and brighter across much of England and Wales with some sunny spells during the afternoon.”
Winds are expected to ease on Monday with rain moving into the southeast. The north is expected to remain blustery for much of the week.
The Environment Agency’s website listed 41 active flood warnings on Sunday morning, meaning flooding is expected, and 132 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
The warnings include multiple areas of the River Severn, the south Cornwall coast and the Wye Estuary.
Natural Resources Wales said there are three flood warnings and 13 flood alerts in place, while 16 flood warnings have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency along with 17 alerts.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.