WEST Fife commuters are being warned to prepare for "significant disruption" tomorrow (Friday), with very strong winds forecast that would close the Forth Road Bridge completely.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning, and expected winds of up to 80mph will shut the bridge during the morning peak period.

Barry Colford, chief engineer and bridgemaster, said, “The Met Office’s latest forecast shows wind speeds at the Forth Road Bridge gusting in excess of 80mph early on Friday morning.

“If this is accurate then the bridge will close to all traffic early tomorrow morning.

"Even allowing for a margin of error it looks certain that the bridge will be closed to all vehicles except cars for most of the morning.

“The forecast shows wind speeds gradually easing later in the morning before intensifying again overnight.

"Further disruption is possible on Saturday morning.” All bridge users are advised to check weather and traffic reports before travelling and to plan accordingly.

Public transport is "very likely" to be affected, with winds forecast well in excess of the level at which buses would be permitted to cross.

Drivers of high sided vehicles, motorcycles and cars with trailers, caravans or roof boxes are advised to plan an alternative route.

The bridge is also expected to be closed to cyclists and pedestrians for much of the day.

For the latest updates, log on to www.forthroadbridge.org or www.trafficscotland.org.