Storm Jonas: Schools and roads in Borders closed by floods

HEAVY rain swept in on Tuesday by Storm Jonas significantly raised river levels in the Borders leading to a series of school closures.

Jedburgh has already been flooded in heavy rains earlier this year PICTURE: PHIL WILKINSON

And yesterday around 600 people were evacuated from homes in Hawick amid renewed flooding fears.

After major flooding in December caused by storms Desmond and Frank, Borders Council decided to evacuate around 300 people from properties close to the River Teviot.

Overnight rain led to “severe” flood warnings from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency but the river level is thought to have peaked.

Police said routes around Hawick and Jedburgh have been badly affected by standing water and urged motorists to avoid the areas affected.

Firefighters had to rescue a bus driver caught in flood water on the B6405 near Hawick earlier.

A Borders Council spokesman said: “We opened the Emergency Planning Bunker at 8:30am to deal with the impact of heavy rain on the area. A multi-agency team including the ourselves, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are co-ordinating the response.

“Due to rising river levels and risk to property, emergency rest centres have been established in Hawick and Jedburgh.

“Residents in affected areas of both towns will be advised to evacuate by Police Scotland. They are welcome to attend the rest centres at Teviot Leisure Centre in Hawick and Jedburgh Town Hall.”

Further rain was expected last night with Met Office yellow warnings in place for today and tomorrow.
The Met Office said: “Scattered, wintry showers are expected this evening and overnight and, with road temperatures often falling below freezing, there is the risk of some icy patches developing.

“These showers will also bring some snow accumulations above 150-200m, with some temporary wet snow to lower levels.

“Please be aware of the risk of some difficult driving conditions and localised disruption to travel.”

Brownhall, Caerlaverock, Crossmichael and Hutton primaries and Dumfries and Galloway College campus were also closed by flooding.

A spokeswoman for Scotland TranServ said: “The heavy rain over the last 24 hours has resulted in severe flooding on the A75 and A76 in Dumfries and Galloway.

“We have deployed 16 operatives from local depots with plant and equipment and are working with police to help alleviate the unprecedented volume of water on the affected trunk roads.”

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