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Warning of severe wintry gale                 3/2/13

A band of “unusually cold air" from Canada will sweep across the Western Isles before it hits mainland Scotland from late tonight and all day Monday.

An updated Met Office warning says severe gales are expected in the north and west Scotland.

Gusts in these areas will exceed 70 mph at times, especially along exposed coasts.

Exposed western coasts are likely to be affected by unusually high sea and swell conditions.

The Met Office issued a "Be Aware" warning and say people should "be aware of the potential for disruption, especially to travel."

The high winds will be accompanied by heavy, squally wintry showers - likely to fall largely as sleet and hail on coasts.