Met Office issues 'danger to life' warning as Storm Babet sweeps in
Last updated 19th Oct 2023
The Met Office is warning of the potential for widespread disruption across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland as Storm Babet sweeps in.
Homes and businesses are likely to be flooded, it says, causing damage to some buildings; with fast-flowing or deep floodwater also possible, causing "danger to life".
It's upgraded its Yellow weather warning for parts of our region to Amber - with up to 120mm of rain forecast to fall between midday on Friday and 6am on Saturday.
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: "The main risk of river flooding is currently expected to be associated with the Whiteadder, Blackadder, Leader and Eye Water. The Bowmont Water and potentially the Gala Water and Eddleston Water may also be impacted.
"Due to the risk of wave overtopping in our coastal communities, flood barriers have been deployed in Eyemouth and will likely remain in place for several days.
"All Scottish Borders Council’s sandbag stores are fully stocked to assist residents in affected areas."
Forecasters say we can also expect disruption to the transport network, power cuts and road closures - with the possibility that some communities could become cut off.
There were reports of a tree down on the A72 near Cardrona this morning - although the road between Peebles and Innerleithen remained open.
And the most northerly steam railway in England has announced it’s closed today due to flooding on the track.
Heatherslaw Light Railway, near Cornhill on Tweed, says it will make a decision on whether to reopen tomorrow in the morning.
The world's biggest children's play park - The Lilidorei at Alnwick, in Northumberland - has also taken the decision to close today and tomorrow due to the weather.
It's apologising for any inconvenience but says the safety of its staff and visitors remains its top priority.
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The current yellow weather warning for rain which came into effect at 6am today (Thursday) has also been updated this morning by the Met Office. This has extended the end time to 11.59pm on Saturday. The warning area has reduced however, and now covers the central and eastern Scottish Borders only.
As a reminder, a yellow weather warning for wind is also in place from 12noon on Friday to 12noon on Saturday which covers the eastern Borders.
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SEPA has issued a flood alert for the Borders, and Eyemouth Harbour Trust is urging anyone with a boat to make sure it's secure.
Elsewhere, people living on the coast are being warned against posing for selfies next to the rough sea over the coming days.
Berwick's lifeboat team says getting too close can be "extremely dangerous".
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There is some good news however - Scotland's oldest inhabited house is opening its grounds to the public for free today and tomorrow on account of the wet weather.
Traquair House, near Innerleithen, posted: "For two wet days only - free grounds entry. Bring your wellies and brollies, splash in the puddles! Warm up with a hot drink, soup, toasties and cake in our Old Walled Garden Cafe today."
Let us know how the weather is affecting you - email: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk