Flood alert: Met Office issues 'danger to life' warning for parts of the Scottish Borders
Last updated 13th Dec 2025
The Borders has been placed on flood alert after the Met Office issued an Amber weather warning for "very heavy and persistent" rain in parts of the region.
Up to 130mm is possible in some areas over the next 24 hours - with forecasters warning of the potential for widespread disruption.
Strong and gusty winds are expected to exacerbate conditions.
The main warning area covers the south western corner of the Scottish Borders - including Ettrick, Craik, Teviothead and much of the A7 south of Hawick.
According to the Met Office, there's a good chance some communities will be cut off by flooded roads; and fast-flowing or deep floodwater is also likely, "causing danger to life"; as well as delays and cancellations to train and bus services.
From 6pm tonight (Saturday) until 9am on Monday, a wider Yellow - be prepared - warning for rain is also in place for the western Borders. That includes Hawick and Newcastleton and Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, with up to 60mm possible.
A further Yellow warning for rain is already in place for areas north and west of Peebles, including West Linton, Stobo and Broughton. It runs until midnight on Sunday, with up to 50mm of rain possible.
Scottish Borders Council has announced a multi-agency team is being set up to respond to any incidents and co-ordinate recovery efforts.
It's planning to open its Emergency Control Centre from 7am on Sunday and, along with SEPA, will be closely monitoring river levels.
It could be the first real test for Hawick's new flood defences - recently completed at a cost of more than £100 million - with volunteers on standby to close the gates on the town's new bridges.
Organisers of the annual Christmas lights switch-on in Earlston have announced the event's programme "may have to adjust slightly" - depending on the conditions.
As things stand, the torch parade is due to leave the primary school at 5.30pm on Sunday.
Superintendent Andrew Barclay of Police Scotland's Road Policing Unit, said: “I would encourage people to plan ahead, including an alternative route, and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please drive to the conditions and be aware of increased stopping distances. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.
"Driving through areas of flooding can damage to your vehicle and may result in roads becoming blocked.
"Ensure your mobile phone is charged, and that you have sufficient fuel, warm clothing, food and water in case you’re delayed.”
Emergency contacts
Power: You can call 105 free of charge in the event of a power cut to report or get information about your area. Electricity suppliers also provide information on their websites on what to do if your power goes off. ****
Water supply: You can report issues with water supply to Scottish Water on 0800 0778 778 or find further information on their website.
Flooding: Information on flood alerts and warnings is available through the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. You can find more information here. ****
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