'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.

:: Three flood warnings and 10 flood alerts have been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

:: The Met Office has issued an amber ''be prepared'' warning for the west coast of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland.

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

:: Gusts of more than 80mph have been recorded.

:: 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.

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Gallery: Weather Bomb Explodes On UK Coast

Waves crash against the harbour wall at Portstewart in Northern Ireland

Waves pound the harbour wall at Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Pic: Angus Maclean