Scottish homes evacuated as Storm Desmond bursts river banks
Hundreds of homes have been evacuated in the south of Scotland as Storm Desmond burst river banks across the country.
A rare red weather warning covered Dumfries, Lothian and the Borders until the early hours of Sunday with heavy rain due to continue.
Dumfries and Galloway Council described the situation as a "major emergency'' and said it was preparing for flooding similar to that which hit the region in 2009.
More than 100mm of rain has fallen in the region since Friday, according to Met Office figures.
Around 100 properties were evacuated in Hawick after the River Teviot burst its banks and the Nith has flooded in Dumfries.
Red Cross volunteers were called out to set up and run a rest centre for people evacuated from their flood-threatened homes in Hawick.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has more than 70 flood warnings in place across the country, with the most severe warnings in place for Hawick and Newcastleton.
Homes close to the River Esk in Langholm were also evacuated on Saturday night as water breached the bank, while flooding has also been reported in some areas of Annandale and Eskdale including Wamphray, Cummertrees and Hoddom.
The River Tay in Perth is expected to reach its highest level for more than a decade and other rivers are at risk of bursting their banks.
Almost 20 properties in Blair Atholl were evacuated for a time on Saturday after the Garry Burn burst its banks but residents were allowed to return as the water level receded.
Sepa duty hydrology manager Marc Becker said: "We are particularly concerned that the flooding situation will deteriorate further this evening in Tayside and particularly the south west of Scotland and the Borders.
"The risk to communities in Hawick and Newcastleton are such that Sepa, in discussion with emergency responders, have issued severe flood warnings for both towns. Impacts will include widespread property flooding, evacuations, damage to infrastructure and severe transport disruption.''
Police have warned against all but essential travel, with a series of major roads disrupted.
The majority of Scottish football matches were postponed on Saturday due to waterlogging and winds also had an impact on Renfield Street in Glasgow city centre, closed for a time as part of the Cineworld roof came loose.
The Scottish Government's resilience committee met twice on Saturday to discuss steps being taken to lessen the impact of flooding.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "I have made absolutely clear to representatives of the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and Tayside that they will receive any emergency help they need during the current severe weather.
"The torrential rain and severe winds are having an impact across the country this evening but it is being felt most acutely in these three areas. While local authorities and emergency services are satisfied they have all the necessary resources at this present time and, while they are responding admirably, I have reassured them they only need to ask should they need further assistance.
"Across the borders, people have already been warned not to travel and in some areas residents are being evacuated from their homes into leisure centres and other local authority facilities."
Chief Inspector David McCallum, who is leading the emergency response in the south of Scotland, said: "We have been able to identify potential incidents early and deploy resources to ensure that local people have received the support, resources, advice, information and reassurance that they required.
"Severe weather conditions will continue through Sunday. Road conditions remain extremely dangerous and driving should be avoided if possible, especially on B class roads as many are not passable.''