Storm Caroline upgraded to amber warning

The Met Office has updated its weather warnings for Storm Caroline on Thursday.

An amber "be prepared" warning, which includes winds gusting up to 90mph in some areas, has been issued for north and north east Scotland.

A yellow "be aware" warning has also now been put in place for central and parts of southern Scotland.

Snow and ice has been forecast for large parts of the UK in the wake of Caroline on Friday and Saturday.

Yellow warnings are in place for the weekend.

Orkney and Shetland, which are included in the amber warning for Thursday, are expected to continue to experience high winds on Friday and Saturday.

The Met Office has warned of the potential for damage to property and travel disruption on Thursday. Energy firm SSE has also said there was the potential of power cuts.

Highland Council said Thursday's conditions could affect its Corran Ferry services in Lochaber.

In its amber warning, the Met Office said gusts of 70mph to 80mph were expected widely with gusts to 90mph possible in exposed areas.

It added: "Flying debris is likely and could lead to injuries or danger to life.

"Some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blowing off roofs.

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

The Met Office has also warned of large waves along the coast.

Dozens of workers have been taken off a North Sea platform amid fears of huge waves due to the approaching Storm Caroline.

CNR International said it was taking the precaution on Ninian Southern, 75 miles (120km) east of Shetland.

The firm has been carrying out checks on the platform's "jacket", the steel support frame of the structure.

A total of 159 people were working the Ninian South platform. CNR said 90 personnel remained on board.