Storm Amy will batter the country on Friday and throughout Saturday, the Met Office has said.
The warning comes into force for northern Britain at 6pm on Friday and is in force until the end of Saturday.
The Met Office said although gusts may reach 70mph, they could exceed 80mph on coasts and hills.
The warning area covers Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England.
The Met Office warned of damage to buildings, possible power cuts and danger to life from large waves in coastal areas and flying debris elsewhere.
“Gusts of 50 to 60mph are likely for many areas and may reach 60 to 70mph in some places for a time,” the agency said.
“Exposed coasts and hills will see the highest gusts which could exceed 80mph.
“The strongest winds currently look more likely over parts of northern Scotland.”
Check the forecast for your area
The winds are expected to ease for most areas on Saturday afternoon, but will still be “very strong” in some parts.
The spells of heavy rain will be “most persistent” across western Scotland, forecasters added.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain that comes into force at 5pm today (Wednesday) and runs until the end of Thursday.
It warns persistent, heavy rain may lead to transport disruption and flooding in parts of western and southern Scotland.
Wet and windy conditions are then likely to spread to much of the UK from Friday and into Saturday due to the approach of tropical cyclones Humberto and Imelda – which were previously Atlantic hurricanes.
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