As we went to press, strong sea swells and heavy rain was set to batter the Clyde Coast in a phenomenon called the 'weather bomb’.

Scotrail and Caledonian MacBrayne had already taken the precaution of cancelling their services out of Largs throughout Wednesday as the ferocious storm strikes.

Winds of up to 80mph are estimated, with high tide taking place at 2pm on Wednesday. High tide for Thursday is 2.34am and 2.52pm.

An updated flood alert has been issued by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for Ayrshire and Arran.

This alert is for coastal flooding. Very high waves and a surge are expected to affect the area until Thursday. Exposed coastal areas including roads and low lying properties may be at risk from flooding due to wave overtopping particularly during periods of high tide.

A SEPA spokesman said: “Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.” Advice and information is also available through Floodline on 0345 9881188. If you haven’t already signed up to receive free flood messages, register online at sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup Sky News and BBC television crews headed to Largs to film live broadcasts throughout Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Explosive cyclogenesis - termed as a “weather bomb” - is when a storm significantly strengthens as the pressure at its centre drops dramatically (by more than 24 millibars in 24 hours)