STORM Ali has knocked out travel services across Inverclyde as gusts of 60mph batter the district.

As predicted in the weather warning that had been issued, strong winds and heavy rain took hold from 10am and caused problems straight away.

Fallen trees blocked Cloch Road in Gourock.

A McGill’s Glasgow to Largs bus was among the vehicles which had to turn back at Lunderston Bay.

Passenger Isabel Lind said: "It really is quite scary. What if the tree had hit a car?

"The driver had to turn and go a different way.”

At the other end of the district, the A8 was temporarily closed at Bogston for a short time due to debris on the road.

Rail services have been severely affected, with no trains running on either the Gourock or Wemyss Bay lines.

ScotRail suspended the services due to power line problems.

Ferry passengers are faring no better.

Both Argyll Ferries and Western have cancelled crossings and CalMac’s Wemyss Bay service is affected too.

The wild weather also took its toll on local buildings.

Falling masonry was reported from a tenement on Dellingburn Street, with police called to the scene, pictured.

A window was blown out on Cathcart Street, with the pavement cordoned off.

The ‘be aware’ weather warning remains in force until 10pm tonight, when conditions are expected to ease.