BREAKING: Warnings as Storm Gertrude advances

As well as a Yellow (Be Aware) warning for rain from 3pm today (Thursday January 28) until 12noon tomorrow, an Amber (Be Prepared) warning has now also been issued for wind for the whole of the Borders from 3am until 10am tomorrow morning.

In addition, a Yellow warning for wind is in place from 1am until 6pm tomorrow; with a Yellow warning for wind and snow in place from 12.05am on Saturday until 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

The combination of these warnings is very likely to cause problems over the course of the next few days.

As a result, a multi-agency team including Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland are currently preparing to respond to the impact.

The Emergency Planning Bunker is open to put these plans in place, and staff are working closely with SEPA and the Met Office to ensure we have as much information as possible.

Residents can view the weather warnings at the Met Office website and flood warnings, when issued, from SEPA.

Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer, said: “Given the number and content of the weather warnings issued, and the current ground conditions, we are preparing for a significant and extended weather event across the region.

“Travel disruption is almost inevitable given the weather forecast we have been provided with and it may well be that Police Scotland advise during the upcoming days that travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary.”

Scottish Borders Council will update residents via local media and on the SBC Twitter and Facebook channels.