Cars off road and buses suspended as Storm Bert batters the Borders
Police have closed the A68 following crash involving five vehicles...
Last updated 23rd Nov 2024
There's widespread disruption across the Borders this morning (Saturday), as many awake to find Storm Bert has covered the region in a blanket of snow.
There are reports of cars off roads and bus services cancelled, while more events have been called off.
An Amber weather warning remains in force until midday today.
An underlying Yellow weather warning for snow and rain remains in place for most of Saturday, into Sunday; while a further Yellow weather warning for wind straddles the A1 corridor, from north of Eyemouth to south of Seahouses.
Scottish Borders Council has opened its emergency bunker to co-ordinate the multi-agency response.
Police have closed the A68 between St Boswells and Ancrum following reports of a five-vehicle crash near Lilliardsedge Holiday Park, just north of Jedburgh, shortly before 9am.
Further south, at 11am, it was reported the A68 and A696 was "impassable" due to snow between Otterburn (Otterburn) and Knowesgate (Knowesgate).
The snow is making driving conditions "challenging" on a number of routes.
As much as 5-10cm of snow is anticipated to accumulate in places, before turning back to rain. Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20cm are possible on ground above 200m, with up to 40cm possible above 400m.
There are also reports of vehicles off the road on the B6112 between Swinton and Lennel, while there are reports of cars struggling to access the A72 in Peeblesshire.
Bus services in Kelso have also been suspended due to the tricky driving conditions.
Peter Hogg of Jedburgh posted: "The 6.33am bus from Jedburgh to Newcastle and the 8.25am bus from Newcastle to Jedburgh has had to turn back due to the weather."
Services on the Borders Railway have also been cancelled - not because of the weather, but a shortage of crew.
Duns Community Recycling Centre has been forced to close due to heavy snow.
An event due to take place in Selkirk on Saturday to remember loved-ones who have lost their lives to suicide has been cancelled, amid concerns over the weather forecast.
Other events put on hold include Borders Additional Needs Group's open day in Galashiels and Heatherslaw Light Railway's Christmas market, as well as parkruns in Kelso and Peebles.
Lothian 4x4 response, which has helped transport health workers in past weather events, says it has had three vehicles out this morning "assisting NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council".
The advice from police is not to travel unless it's urgent.
Power cuts have also been reported in the Jedburgh area.
A thaw is expected to follow this afternoon, but pitch inspections are planned at a number of our region's sports fixtures.
In football, Gala's home game with Gretna has been postponed. However, Berwick Rangers say "things are looking good" for their Lowland League match with Cowdenbeath.
In rugby, Hawick have announced the Borders derby with Melrose is also off. A spokesperson said: "Mansfield Park was very doubtful with player welfare our major consideration.
"We were leaving the call until as late as possible, with a further pitch inspection taking place at 11am, however the SRU have issued a directive to all their referees and assistant referees not to travel in these conditions, so the decision has been taken out of our hands."
Elsewhere, the Bluebells - best known for 1984 Top 10 hit Young at Heart - have confirmed tonight's gig at MacArts Centre in Galashiels has also been postponed.
A spokesperson for the venue said: "As I am sure you will appreciate, health and safety of all of the ticket holders, the band and staff has to be at the forefront of our minds. We know that people are travelling far and wide to get here for this event, as are the band and we do not want people to be exposed to the risk of travelling in the current weather conditions.
"We are sorry to have made this decision but we believe it is the right one."
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