Storm Isha: Floodgates closed in Hawick as river levels rise
Last updated 21st Jan 2024
Floodgates in Hawick have been closed amid concerns over rising river levels, as our region begins to feel the full force of Storm Isha.
Rail services have already been cancelled as winds of up to 90mph threaten to cause "risk to life and property".
And the Met Office is advising the public to stay at home while the Amber alert - covering the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland - is in force. It runs until 6am on Monday morning.
A number of flood warnings have been issued, with the River Teviot, Jed Water, and Ettrick Water all in danger of bursting their banks, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Hawick councillor Stuart Marshall, chair of the town's Volunteer Flood Group, said: "After speaking with Scottish Borders Council's Emergency Planning department, the expectation at this time is for the Teviot to rise throughout the day and reach bank-full, with a peak currently predicted between 9pm and 10pm this evening.
"As a precaution SBC have taken the decision to close the floodgates throughout the town and this I'm informed will happen during the course of this afternoon.
"The Volunteer Flood group will continue to monitor river levels including the Slitrig throughout the day and are on standby should they be required."
WATCH: Bizarre moment thieves worm their way into Hawick phone shop
The latest warnings come as work continues to plug the gaps in the town's new £90 million flood protection scheme.
A spokesperson for the project said: "Due to Storm Isha, precautionary measures are currently being undertaken by the council and the team to ensure protection against any potential high waters through the town. The flood gates are being proactively closed to ensure protection."
READ MORE: Cross-dressing butcher appeals sentence for abducting and sexually assaulting Borders schoolgirl
UPDATE (8.30pm, Sunday) - Two fresh flood warnings have also been issued for Newcastleton and Jedburgh.
The Jed Water is expected to peak around midnight, with water levels remaining high well into Monday morning.
SEPA says "Flooding along Pleasance downstream of Bridge Street and Fire Station is expected. Risk of flooding within Bankend Industrial Estate."
And referring to Newcastleton, it adds: "The Liddel Water is expected to touch the flood warning threshold around 9pm at a similar level reached on the 27th of December. It is currently not expected to get any higher, but SEPA will continue to monitor the levels and issue update as necessary."
Scottish Borders Council says additional resources are being drafted in to help respond to any emergencies.
Meanwhile, the public are being reminded to secure any loose items which may be outdoors. It comes as a Galashiels resident, whose home was hit by a flying trampoline in stormy weather five years ago, today revealed it cost over £16,000 worth of damage.
Firefighters were called out to Victoria Street in January 2019 to rescue the piece of play equipment, which hit a chimney - sending rubble crashing onto the street below.
Tonight, there have already been reports of a number of power cuts, as trees blown over in the wind have brought down power lines.
INCIDENTS
- Jedburgh - The A68 is blocked both ways due to flooding between B6358 Canongate and A6090 (Bonjedward) after the Jed Water burst its banks.
- Langholm - The A7 road between Scotland and England was blocked by a fallen tree at Skippers Bridge.
- Newcastleton - Stopford Street, Walter Street and George Street reportedly closed due to downed electricity wires. Fire & Rescue are in attendance.
- Roberton - A video has emerged online of fast-flowing water over the road between Roberton and Craik.
- Denholm - Reports of another tree down on the B6405 between Denholm and Minto.
- Bonchester - The William Laidlaw Memorial Hall has been opened for the community.
More to follow...
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/