Snow on the way to the Borders

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow, valid from 10pm on Thursday to 9am on Friday, affecting the central and western parts of the region.

Snow is expected to arrive from the east this evening and overnight, and may settle at low levels initially, but generally will be short-lived as it turns to persistent and at times heavy rain.

On higher ground, 2-5cm of snow is possible above 150m, with perhaps as much as 10-20cm above 400m, which could lead to travel disruption, particularly on higher routes.

Residents are encouraged to sign up to the free SB Alert messaging system to stay informed and receive updates on when weather warnings are issued.

Scottish Borders Council says it currently has more than 17,000 tonnes of salt stocked, with a network of more than 1,100 grit bins in communities.

Also, it has 37 gritters and 23 footpath gritters standing ready.

Executive member for infrastructure, travel and transport, councillor Gordon Edgar, said: “The council is well prepared for winter and it looks like we will see our first widespread snowfall through the early hours of Friday.

“This is of course entirely normal winter weather, but it is vital that people are prepared for these situations, and especially so when more significant winter weather is forecast.

“Of course we all know that weather forecasts can never be 100% accurate all of the time, but everyone should take notice when weather warnings are issued and follow all relevant advice.

“I’d ask every resident and business in the Borders to play their part this winter.

“Please take the necessary steps to prepare for bad weather when it is forecast, from stocking up on essential items to making sure batteries are charged for torches and ensuring you have enough medication to see you through.

“Als, sign up to SB Alert to receive early warnings of incoming bad weather and relevant advice and don’t assume that the forecasters have got it wrong.”