Storm Boelo strikes: Latest in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland
Last updated 2 hours ago
A number of homes and businesses in the Scottish Borders have woken up without power this morning (Sunday), as Storm Boelo strikes the region.
Lilliardsedge Holiday Park, near Ancrum, confirmed it was one of those affected by an outage, which was reported shortly before 6am.
It has since been restored (9.30am) but bosses say the Sunday Carvery, Tavern Bar and Restaurant will remain closed today.
A statement added: “We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time."
Other outages affecting areas around St Mary’s Loch; Eyemouth, Leitholm, Clovenfords, Melrose and Norham have also been reported; while power has since been restored around Swinton in Berwickshire and Langholm.
The Homestead Cafe in Coldstream was offering free soup to anyone locally who has lost power.
An amber weather warning remains in force across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, along with an underlying yellow warning, until 9pm tonight.
A number of attractions had already announced their closure in the days leading up to today’s storm including Heatherslaw Light Railway, Bamburgh Castle and Lilidorei and The Alnwick Garden.
Dawyck Botanic Garden, café and gift shop, is also now closed.
The Jed Renilson Wheelchair and Handbike races at Bonjedward have also been cancelled. But the 10k and half marathon events – also part of the same Jedburgh Running Festival weekend - are still due to go ahead opposite the abbey at 11am.
A spokesperson for the event said: “Yes, they are on. My forecast is very windy but dry.
“The 10k race is relatively sheltered and the half marathon is more exposed but a straightforward route. Sweeper vehicles will be on hand for runners retiring.
“As with any event, you are participating entirely at your own risk and confidence in your own abilities.”
Police are advising the public to be prepared for disruption to travel and consider delaying venturing out until conditions improve - and not to ignore road closure signs.
The A1 was closed (around 8.30am) due to fallen power cables near the Ayton junction.
The A7 was partially blocked due to fallen tree at Lindean in the early hours, and then later at Boleside. The A702 at West Linton and Lamington were also affected, as well as the A699 near Maxton.
Trees were also reported down at Guthrie Drive in Hawick; Winston Road in Galashiels; Kilbucho Road in Broughton; and Tweedbank.
Craigerne Lane in Peebles was closed due to a fallen tree, while the A707 between Caddonfoot and Yair Bridge was reduced to one lane for the same reason.
Scottish Borders Council states: "Our Emergency Control Centre is operating throughout the amber warning period to manage a multi-agency response to the conditions and any impacts.
"Please note, for safety reasons we may not be able to clear fallen trees during periods of very high winds or in darkness."
One motorist described difficult driving conditions near Melrose this morning.
"I know it seems obvious but PLEASE be careful driving this morning," she said. "Lowood is a disaster!!
"Branches and debris everywhere and, as of half four this morning, the bridge on the Tweedbank side is completely flooded and it’s deep.
"Safe to say driving to work this morning was an experience!"
Speed restrictions have been introduced on the East Coast Main Line, with gusts of up to 80 miles per hour possible in exposed coastal areas.
And train passengers are being urged to check before they travel, with some lines closed as a precaution.
Although ScotRail says an issue with subsidence reported at Gorebridge is no longer affecting services on the Borders Railway.
Bus passengers were also advised to leave extra time for their journeys.
A Borders Buses spokesperson added: "Fallen trees, debris on roads and localised flooding may cause disruption across the Borders Buses network today and tomorrow, with delays, diversions or cancellations possible at short notice."
The Ian Stark Equestrian Centre, near Selkirk, has also announced today’s arena event is cancelled – adding: “Weather forecast is spot on!”
Selkirk Parish Church states: Today's 9.30am service will still take place. But it adds: "Due to the weather warnings, please do not take any risks to attend."
Day two of Peebles Wood Festival has been moved indoor to the town's Drill Hill.
Northumberland County Council has announced a number of its recycling centres are also closed due to high winds, including Berwick, Wooler and Alnwick.
The Eddleston Water in Peebles rose signficantly overnight but no flood warnings have been issued for the area.
A statement issued by Ayton Resilience Group read: "So far there has been a very low volume of weather-related calls to both the Council and Police and long may that continue!
"Wind speeds have picked up slightly and will increase, peaking between 10am and 3pm, and gradually tailing off as the afternoon goes on but remaining windy.
"There has been very little impact on the power supply network up to now, and we are aware of one outage reported in a rural area which has already been resolved.
"In relation to water levels, a number of rivers reached bank full particularly in Peeblesshire, as well as Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. We continue to monitor the situation through the gauges and forecast points.
"More rain is forecast with some heavy showers locally, however they will blow through quickly which is positive.
"We are monitoring Eyemouth for overtopping although from observations it seems to be less than forecast.
"We anticipate Sunday morning and afternoon to have the potential to be where we see peak demand across the Borders."
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.
Meanwhile, on the west coast of Scotland, Largs main street appeared to be under water due to the storm surge. One resident told us: "It's been pretty wild here most of the night."
A further yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for Tuesday from 3am to 12noon.
More to follow - we're going to continue this story here.
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