Flood warnings issued for the Borders as region braces itself for Storm Isha
Last updated 20th Jan 2024
A number of flood warnings have been issued for the Borders as the region braces itself for the arrival of Storm Isha.
The River Teviot in Hawick and Denholm; Jed Water, between Camptown and Jedburgh; and Ettrick Water in the Ettrick Valley are all in danger of bursting their banks, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
A Yellow weather warning for rain - covering some of those areas - is already in place until midnight tonight, with another set to follow tomorrow.
That comes on top of an Amber weather warning for wind, from 6pm on Sunday, until 9am on Monday - with the Met Office advising the public to stay at home as much as possible during that time, and secure loose items outdoors.
Winds of up to 80mph are expected to cause disruption across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland.
The Met Office warns "there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property".
Scottish Borders Council says additional resources are being drafted in to help respond to any emergencies.
Four flood warnings had been issued for the Borders by 10pm on Saturday night, while the whole of the region has been placed on flood alert.
Flood warning - Hawick: "The River Teviot at Hawick is forecast to exceed flood warning thresholds around 2am on Sunday morning. River levels should peak soon after and then will recede through the remainder of Sunday morning. However, more rain on Sunday afternoon and evening will cause levels to rise again through Sunday night and into Monday morning.
"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.
"Scottish Borders Council's nearest local sandbag store is located at the Fire Station on Howdenbank in Hawick."
Flood warning - Hawick to Monteviot: "The River Teviot at this location is forecast to exceed flood warning thresholds around 1am on Sunday morning. River levels will start to fall after the peak around 5am and then will recede through the remainder of Sunday morning. However, more rain on Sunday afternoon and evening will cause levels to rise again through Sunday night and into Monday morning.
"There is a risk of flooding from the River to low lying agricultural areas the River Teviot near to the river as well as the Riverside Caravan Park and properties in Denholm.
"Scottish Borders Council's nearest local sandbag store is located at the Fire Station on Howdenbank in Hawick."
Flood warning - Camptown to Jedburgh: "The Jed Water in this location is forecast to exceed flood warning thresholds in the early hours of Sunday. River levels will start to fall after the peak around 4am on Sunday. However, more rain on Sunday afternoon and evening will cause levels to rise again through Sunday night and into Monday morning.
"There is a risk of flooding from the River Jed to low lying agricultural areas near to the river from Chesters to Howden Burn including Mossburnford.
"Scottish Borders Council's nearest local sandbag store is located at the Fire Station at Pleasance in Jedburgh."
Flood warning - Ettrick Valley: "The Ettrick Water is forecast to exceed flood warning thresholds around midnight, peaking around 3am Sunday morning and then receding through the remainder of Sunday morning. However, more rain on Sunday afternoon and evening will cause levels to rise again through Sunday night and into Monday morning.
"There is a risk to low lying areas along the Ettrick Water including the B709, which is likely to be flooded in parts. The access to Thirlestane Gardens property may be cut off and there is a risk of flooding to Deephope and Hopehouse caravan parks.
"Scottish Borders Council's nearest Sandbag store is located at the Fire Station at Shawpark Crescent in Selkirk."
READ MORE: CCTV catches bizarre moment mobile phone shop thieves worm their way inside Hawick store
Meanwhile, Network Rail has announced many rail services will stop early on Sunday evening to avoid the worst of the weather.
Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said: “Our engineers will also need to thoroughly inspect the network for any damage before we reopen the lines and restart train services on Monday morning."
Passengers are being urged to check ahead before leaving home.
Phil Campbell, ScotRail customer operations director, added: “This is an ever-changing picture.”
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