Borders residents are being urged to be prepared for exceptionally strong winds on Sunday evening and into Monday, with an amber weather warning in place.
The Met Office warning comes into effect at 6pm on Sunday evening and runs through until 9am on Monday. The whole of the region falls under the warning.
An underlying yellow weather warning for wind is in place from 12noon on Sunday to 12noon on Monday.
There is the potential for changes to be made to the timing and location of the warnings over the weekend.
Winds of up to 80mph possible
Gusts of up to 60mph are expected frequently, with exposed locations and coastal areas at risk of seeing wind speeds of up to 80mph. There is a risk of power cuts, damage to buildings and travel disruption.
A multi-agency emergency response group will be stood up throughout the amber warning period to manage our and partner responses as required. Additional resources and contractors will be in place and on standby to assist, for example clearing fallen trees, however only where this does not put staff at risk.
Rain warning
A yellow weather warning for rain has also been issued by the Met Office, which runs from 3pm to midnight on Sunday. This covers an area of the south-western Borders, including Hawick, Newcastleton and the Ettrick Valley. Up to 50mm of rain is forecast. Surface water flooding is likely in these areas.
Be prepared
The Met Office is advising residents to prepare by ensuring any loose items in gardens are secured, for example trampolines and garden furniture. The are also encouraging people to stay indoors as much as possible during the warning period.
Police Scotland has issued travel advice.
Updates will be provided by our free emergency messaging service SB Alert and our website.