The alert means "be prepared" for high winds in Northern Ireland, Scotland and north-west and north-east England.
Parts of the British Isles are also forecast to see snow and ice as extreme winter weather continues.
There has been widespread flooding since December in parts of the country, particularly in the north, with some 600 people in the Scottish Borders being the latest to have to leave their homes because of fears of renewed flooding.
Travel is expected to be problematic over the weekend.
Forecasters said: "West to south-westerly gales are expected to develop widely across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England early on Friday.
"Winds are expected to gust 60-70mph, possibly up to 80mph along exposed coasts and over hills.
"Be prepared for the likelihood of difficult driving conditions and disruption to travel, such as cancellation to ferry services and bridge closures.
"Some structural damage is also possible, as well as disruption to power supplies. Heavy rain and surface water will be additional hazards in places."
Engineers are on standby to deal with possible power cuts.
A statement from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) said: "We have 400 front line and support staff standing by and we have moved engineers to the areas we expect to be hit by the storm.
Mobile generators and other resources are also being moved.
"Members of the public should not approach fallen or damaged power lines, which may still be live."
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