STORM FRANK: Travel advice

A further meeting with senior officers and partners including Met Office, SEPA and Police Scotland took place this morning (Tuesday).

Currently, the impacts on Selkirk, Hawick, Newcastleton and Jedburgh are not expected to be as bad as Storm Desmond, but river levels will be very closely monitored by SEPA and the Council.

Cuddyside in Peebles will be closed to vehicles from 2pm today. Residents are being contacted by Police Scotland to move their cars as it is anticipated that this area may be affected by flooding.

Tweed Green will also be closed to vehicles from 6pm and residents asked to move their cars. Police Scotland will contact vehicle owners and will carry out removal of vehicles if necessary. This will be charged to the vehicle owners.

Plans for emergency rest centres are being made, however residents in affected areas will be alerted if evacuations are required.

There are reports that a fallen tree on the A1 near Grantshouse is also causing delays southbound.

Chief Inspector Andy McLean, Police Scotland’s Local Area Commander said: “We are continuing to urge people to only travel if absolutely necessary for the duration of the Amber warning. Road conditions are likely to become very difficult due to flooding and standing water and there is a significant possibility that roads will need to be closed.

“Once again, drivers should under no circumstances ignore road closed signs. This is an offence and can not only lead to people putting themselves in danger but also diverts important emergency services resources away from areas where they are most needed.”

Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer said: “Since the weather warning was issued, we have been working closely with our partners to ensure we are as best prepared as possible.

“Resources from across a range of services are being put in place to ensure that staff and equipment are available on the ground in key locations from Tuesday evening onwards, particularly in the western Borders.

“A further teleconference is taking place at 5pm today with SBC, Police Scotland, SEPA and the Met Office to establish greater detail of the forecast and the potential river levels.

“The Emergency Planning Bunker itself will open at 8pm this evening and operate throughout the night and into Thursday.”