Brace yourselves! Snow warning upgraded to Amber as Storm Bert sweeps into Scottish Borders and North Northumberland
Last updated 22nd Nov 2024
Widespread disruption is expected across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland this weekend as Storm Bert sweeps in.
The Met Office has tonight (Friday) upgraded its warning for snow from Yellow to Amber - with up to 40cm forecast to fall in some areas.
It comes into force between 7am and midday on Saturday and covers a large part of our region - including Galashiels, Hawick, Jedburgh, Peebles and Selkirk.
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.
A number of events have already been cancelled, and emergency services put on standby, as Scottish Borders Council warns local residents to "prepare".
A spokesperson for the local authority said: "As much as 5-10cm of snow is anticipated to accumulate in places, before turning back to rain.
"Temporary snow accumulations of 10-20 cm are possible on ground above 200m, with up to 40cm possible above 400m.
"As winds strengthen across the region, challenging driving conditions are expected, particularly on higher level routes, with an additional risk of power interruptions.
"A rapid thaw of the snow is anticipated as milder (weather) arrives during the afternoon. This will coincide with persistent rain, with some upland areas at risk of 20-40mm of rain. The combination of melting snow and heavy rain may lead to localised flooding in some areas."
The council is opening its emergency bunker to co-ordinate a multi-agency response to the worsening weather, as temperatures plummet overnight.
The charity Lothian 4×4 Response, which supports emergency services, the local authority and other voluntary groups, has also confirmed it has been put on standby to help.
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.
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Ian Stewart, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for the North West, said: “We are fully prepped and are closely monitoring conditions and will act quickly when required.
“We remind members of the public to check before travelling. Traffic Scotland is a great source of the latest journey information and advice. Drivers of high sided and wind-susceptible vehicles such as caravans and trailers should take particular care and check for restrictions.”
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