Amber alert: Storm Isha batters the Borders

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 22nd Jan 2024
Last updated 22nd Jan 2024

There's been widespread disruption across the Borders after Storm Isha wreaked havoc - bringing with it incessant rain and winds of up to 90mph.

One of the main routes through the region - the A68 - was blocked at Jedburgh, after the Jed Water burst its banks; as well as between the Carter Bar and Byrness.

It had been reported two XL Bully dogs were reported missing in the chaos - although that has yet to be confirmed.

Jed-Forest's home ground, Riverside Park, is understood to be under water, and the back road into town, from the Kelso side, is also submerged.

And fire crews have also been filmed appearing to pump water from the forecourt of the local filling station.

Craig Mcleish shared this footage from Jedburgh on our Facebook page.

It's unclear how long the cross-border route will be closed for.

The A7 was blocked for a time due to a fallen tree at Langholm.

The A1 remains blocked both ways, between Spott Roundabout (Dunbar) to Cockburnspath Roundabout, due to strong winds and an overturned lorry.

And all early-morning rail services have been cancelled to allow Network Rail to assess the track for any damage.

The Met Office Amber weather warning remains in place until 6am on Monday, with further Yellow weather warnings for wind due to follow on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Many main roads remain littered with fallen branches, while some side roads are impassable due to fallen trees and flooding.

A number of homes have been left without electricity after trees blown over in the wind brought down power lines.

The William Laidlaw Memorial Hall in Bonchester Bridge was offering refuge for local residents.

WATCH: Click on the link below to view some of the scenes from Jedburgh and Melrose...

In Newcastleton, Stopford Street, Walter Street and George Street were reportedly closed due to downed electricity wires.

However, the new £90million flood protection scheme in Hawick appears to have held, although footage shared online appeared to show the River Teviot breaching some of the gaps near Mansfield.

And earlier reports that someone had been blown over the "new" bridge in Kelso appear to have been a false alarm, with one local councillor confirming there was "no-one found and no-one missing".

A video has emerged online of fast-flowing water covering the road between Roberton and Craik.

And a shed appeared on the back road between Stow and Lauder.

But there are no reports of any injuries.

Scottish Borders Council say a number of roads remain closed due to flooding this morning (Monday, 7am)

Meanwhile, the public are being reminded to secure any loose items which may be outdoors. It comes as a Galashiels resident, whose home was hit by a flying trampoline in stormy weather five years ago, today revealed it cost over £16,000 worth of damage.

Firefighters were called out to Victoria Street in January 2019 to rescue the piece of play equipment, which hit a chimney - sending rubble crashing onto the street below.

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