Be prepared: Met Office upgrades weather warning from yellow to amber
A number of local events have been cancelled...
Last updated 23rd Oct 2026
People across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland are being urged to brace themselves for disruption, with a weekend of stormy weather forecast.
It comes as the Met Office upgrades its alert for tomorrow (Saturday) night into Sunday, from yellow to amber.
It warns of potential danger to life from flying debris as well as a chance of damage to buildings, power cuts and travel disruption.
Gusts of up to 80 miles per hour are possible in exposed coastal areas, as Storm Boelo sweeps in.
Some events have already been cancelled, while others are being curtailed.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has placed the Scottish Borders on flood alert, as Storm Austen brings persistent and heavy rain to the region – with a yellow warning in force until the end of today (Friday).
The yellow warning for wind starts at midday on Saturday but at 9pm the amber alert comes into force, lasting until 9pm on Sunday.
Meteorologist, Clair Nasir say we must heed the advice. She said: "Secure loose outdoor items – such as bins, trampolines and garden furniture. Avoid travelling during the worst of the weather, whether that’s rain and wind, or one or the other."
Yesterday, we reported that the Jed Renilson Wheelchair Race due to be held at Bonjedward on Sunday - part of the Jedburgh Running Festival weekend - has been cancelled.
Organisers of Saturday's Three Peaks Ultra have announced an optional route only taking in two of the Eildons to help runners avoid the most exposed parts of the hills.
However, they warned the 38-mile race could be cancelled if the weekend warnings are upgraded.
It follows talks with Border Search and Rescue who provide safety cover for the event.
At the time of writing (1pm), the race is still ON and will be followed by the 10k and half marathon on Sunday.
Network Rail is encouraging anyone travelling to plan ahead. It warns of the potential for disruption, with speed restrictions in place on parts of the West Coast Main Line and East Coast Main Line, as well as routes across southern and eastern Scotland; while some routes in the Far North and west Highlands are being temporarily closed.
Due to forecast persistent heavy rain, tonight's planned works on the A68 in Lauder will not go ahead. Works will resume on Monday.
Borders Additional Needs Group has announced its events at the Focus Centre in Galashiels on Saturday are also off.
Elsewhere, Peebles March Riders Association has announced Sunday's rideout has been cancelled due to the weather forecast. It is being rearranged for the following Sunday - November the 1st - instead.
A local authority spokesperson said: "Some travel disruption is likely and there is also a risk of power cuts, tree damage, flying debris and property damage. Due to the saturated ground, there may be a risk of some flooding.
"Local residents and businesses are urged to be prepared for the weather and resulting impacts.
"A multi-agency Incident Response Group will operate from the Council’s Emergency Control Centre throughout the amber warning period to co-ordinate the response and any recovery efforts.
"Please note, it may not be possible for the Council and contractors to safely clear fallen trees during periods of high winds or in the dark."
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In Northumberland, Bamburgh Castle has announced it will close on Saturday and Sunday as a precaution. Heatherslaw Light Railway has also suspended services.
Seahouses lifeboat station has announced Sunday's brew with the crew has also been cancelled - saying the safety of its visitors and volunteers must come first.
The opening of Berwick’s new chess tables, at the town’s historic quayside, is also being moved “to a sunnier day!” They had been due to be unveiled tomorrow.
But Kelso race course has announced tomorrow's meeting IS going ahead, with a slightly earlier start time.
The Port of Berwick is warning high winds, rough seas and breaking waves can make the town's pier extremely dangerous, and it’s urging visitors not to put themselves or others at risk.
Police are advising the public to be prepared for disruption to travel and consider delaying travel until conditions improve - plan ahead and not to ignore road closure signs.
Meanwhile, the remains of a Hawick guest house and cafe, partly swept into the River Teviot during Storm Ciara in 2020, have gone on the market for £40,000.
The Bridge Guest House was severely damaged as floodwaters rose, with all guests safely evacuated before part of the building collapsed.
Since then, a new flood defence scheme has been completed in Hawick, at a cost of 106 million pounds.
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