Flood warning issued for the Borders as region feels impact of Storm Gerrit
Last updated 27th Dec 2023
Flood warnings have been issued across the Borders as the region feels the impact of Storm Gerrit, which is causing widespread misery across the country.
The Eddleston Water has burst its banks at Cuddyside in Peebles.
And the flood gates have been closed in Hawick and Jedburgh in an effort to prevent further damage.
As of 5pm a total of six flood warnings had been issued for the region by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
These covered Drumelzier to Dawyck; Romannobridge to Lyne Station; the Ettrick Valley; Camptown to Jedburgh; the Teviot in Hawick; and Hawick to Monteviot.
But there was some good news, with river levels in the Liddel Water at Newcastleton starting to fall.
A Yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office remains in place until 6pm on December 27th.
But the whole of the Borders remains on flood alert, with up to 80mm of rain forecast to fall in some areas.
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In Hawick, developers behind the town's unfinished flood protection scheme have announced "precautionary measures" are being taken, with the support of Scottish Borders Council, to guard the town against "potential high waters".
SEPA warns: "Due to continuing heavy rain road flooding is expected at Teviot Road and Mansfield Road. There is a risk of property flooding on Teviot Road, Teviot Crescent, and Laidlaw Terrace. Flooding is also possible along both sides of the river downstream of the Cauld including Upper Common Haugh and St Georges Lane."
And a statement from Hawick Flood Group added: "Bridges across the Teviot - expected to peak around 4pm - are currently closed as a precaution and will remain so until water levels recede."
There is also a risk of flooding from the River Teviot to low lying agricultural areas, as well as the Riverside Caravan Park and properties in Denholm. While, in the Ettrick Valley, properties in Ettrick, Angecroft, and Deephope and Hopehouse Caravan Parks were also said to be at risk.
Referring to the Peeblesshire flood warning, a SEPA spokesperson said: "There is a risk of flooding of the access roads at Rachan Home Farm and Drumelzier place as well as flooding to low-lying agricultural land. Standing water on roads, including the B712, may lead to difficult driving conditions."
It adds: "Due to continuing heavy rain there is a risk of flooding to low-lying land and properties near to the River Lyne. Flooding of the caravan park and properties in Romanno Bridge is possible. Standing Water on the B7056 at Halmyre Mains may lead to difficult driving conditions."
The council's nearest sandbag stores are located at Broughton Primary School, and Newlands Primary School in Romanno Bridge; and the fire stations at the Pleasance in Jedburgh and Howdenbank in Hawick.
A flood warning has also been issued for Langholm, where levels are rising rapidly on the river Esk. SEPA warns: "From mid afternoon until late evening, flooding is possible in and around Waterside and George Street from Thomas Telford Road to the Waste Water treatment Works."
Road and rail services have also been disrupted with reports of vehicles getting stuck in whiteout conditions near the Carter Bar earlier.
The A1 is currently (12.40pm) closed northbound between Thistly Cross and Haddington due to flooding. A landslide was also reported on the A7 south of Hawick earlier.
In Northumberland, the household waste recovery centre at Berwick has been closed due to high winds. The Lilidorei attraction at The Alnwick Garden has also shut amid concerns over safety, due to the weather.
More to follow...
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