“Storm Dylan” is due to barrel in from the Atlantic this week, bringing 70mph winds and travel misery.

Dire warnings include a plea from the RAC for drivers to avoid “Frantic Friday”.

It is estimated that almost two million will take to the roads next Sunday – Christmas Eve – but experts predict the worst conditions will be endured 48 hours earlier.

According to the RAC, this is because the Friday will see a combination of people finishing work for the Christmas holidays and those en route to visit family and friends.

 “Storm Dylan” is due to arrive on Thursday and its effects will only compound the situation.

Last night, a spokesman for the RAC said: “It’s the worst possible time for stormy conditions to hit.

Christmas falling on a Monday means a concentrated rush as people leave it late.

“Things tend to get worse on the last working day before Christmas, with ‘Frantic Friday’ this year falling on December 22. We strongly urge drivers planning long journeys to avoid this day if they possibly can.” 

It is estimated that, at any one time during the Christmas period, there will be 543 sets of roadworks in place, along with more than two million vehicles on the road.

Meanwhile, some train journeys could take up to two hours longer due to engineering issues. Network Rail’s biggest ever festive works sees 260 engineering projects at 3,400 locations, costing £160million.

And Scots will also be hit by rail strikes due on Virgin Trains on Friday – axing Edinburgh services and hitting Glasgow trains.

Travel expert Ian Baldry, of IBPTS travel consultants, said: “Passengers face chaos.” Last night, the Met Office told Scots travellers to check for updated warnings. It forecasts gales gusting up to 55mph tomorrow, and 60mph on Thursday and Friday in Scotland’s West and North.

The Weather Outlook said Storm Dylan threatens to be named, forecasting 60mph gales in Scotland in the days before Christmas and 70mph gales in Scotland after Christmas Day.

Bookies are predicting that this month will be the wettest ever on record as hopes of a White Christmas diminish by the day. 

Coral’s is offering odds of 2-1 on this December being the wettest on record.

The firm also makes it 1-2 that wind speeds of more than 100mph will be recorded.

Spokesman Harry Aitkenhead said: “Forecasters are warning of trouble for people travelling and shopping over the festive period and now punters are getting behind a wet and windy festive period.”

Meanwhile two freezing climbers had to be rescued in darkness after five hours stuck on an icy peak without a rope.

The experienced mountaineers, who were in their forties and from England, were climbing Jacob’s Ladder at Coire an t’Sneachda on Saturday when they became stuck 100ft from the top.

They were saved by Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team, whose leader, Willie Anderson, said: “The two cragfast climbers were experienced but they were very cold when we got to them. They were obviously glad to see us.”