'Weather Bomb': What Is Happening And Where?

As a huge storm system - known as a "weather bomb" - batters the northern half of the UK, here are the key developments so far:

:: More than 17,000 people in the Western Isles have been left without power.

:: A Spanish fishing vessel is being escorted to safety after getting into difficulties off Orkney.

:: Some 20 vehicles had to be freed after becoming stuck in icy conditions on Cairn O' Mount, a high mountain pass, in Aberdeenshire.

:: Fifteen flood warnings and 12 flood alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

:: Giant waves measuring 52ft have been recorded off the Outer Hebrides.

:: The Met Office has warned of gusts of up to 80mph.

:: Many Caledonian MacBrayne ferry services, which operate in the west of Scotland, have been cancelled or disrupted, while the Argyll Ferries service between Gourock and Dunoon has been suspended.

:: There are also disruptions and cancellations on NorthLink Ferries services between Orkney, Shetland and the mainland, while P&O ferries said its Larne and Cairnryan sailings were operating with delays of up to at least two hours, with further disruption expected throughout the day.

:: Several train services have been cancelled as a safety precaution, Network Rail and train operator ScotRail announced.

:: On the roads, Police have warned that travel conditions in the worst-hit areas of Scotland could be "hazardous".

:: The Skye Bridge and Forth Road Bridge have been closed to high-sided vehicles while the Tay Bridge was only open to cars.

:: Western Isles Council has said all its schools and nurseries will be closed as police have advised the public not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

:: All depots, libraries, museums and sports facilities in the Western Isles will also be shut.