Flood barriers deployed as Borders braces itself for Storm Darragh

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 6th Dec 2024
Last updated 6th Dec 2024

Flood barriers are being deployed across the Borders as the region braces itself for the arrival of Storm Darragh.

Four "Yellow" weather warnings - for wind and rain - have been issued by the Met Office for most of our region overnight tonight (Friday) into tomorrow and Sunday.

And the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has also placed the Borders on flood alert.

Although the west coast of the country - where a rare "Red" weather warning has been issued - is expected to be hardest hit, locals here are being urged to be prepared.

A number of events have already been cancelled or curtailed in response to the worsening forecast - including the Rotary club's Christmas market in Galashiels, Selkirk Farmers Market and parkrun in Kelso.

The world's biggest children's play park - the Lilidorei at Alnwick Castle - has also announced it will be closed tomorrow, amid concerns winds could reach up to 70mph.

It's predicted some gusts will be strong enough to pull down trees and power lines.

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Scottish Borders Council says the flood gates outside Richmond Row - a retirement housing complex - in Jedburgh are being closed this evening as a precaution.

The barriers at Eyemouth harbour will also be erected on Saturday, and Bantry gates closed amid concerns over the rise of wave overtopping along the coast.

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With up to 50mm of rain possible over higher ground, including the Cheviots, a spokesperson for the local authority says sandbag stores and flood grilles have been checked across the region.

Resurfacing works on the A68 south of Carfraemill have also been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, with BEAR Scotland saying it expects them to resume on Monday.

Borders Buses is warning passengers to expect delays or cancellations. It adds: "Due to this, we have taken the decision to remove all double deck vehicles from our X62 (Melrose-Peebles-Edinburgh) route, on Saturday."

Some businesses in Jedburgh are still counting the cost of Storm Isha earlier this year.

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