AN AMBER rain warning has been given to South West Scotland and the Borders by the Met Office this afternoon meaning more heavy rain and traffic disruptions are likely.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "Unfortunately some of those communities who were caught up in the heavy rain in over Edinburgh and the Lothians at the weekend are now being warned to expect more testing conditions over the next 24-36 hours."

"The Scottish Government's resilience team is meeting this afternoon to receive an update on preparations from representatives of the Met Office, emergency services, SEPA, Transport Scotland and local authorities."

"The Traffic Scotland Control Centre will monitor the travel situation very closely over the next 24 hours and continue to liaise with key partners including ScotRail, Network Rail and Operating Companies. SEPA will also keep a very close eye on the flooding risk."

"Traffic Scotland is alerting the travelling public in the affected areas and those who will be heading into the affected areas via its usual channels - website, VMS signs, internet radio and social networks."

"This is clearly a very frustrating time for everyone affected, especially at a time of year when they are entitled to expect some respite, however I wish to express my thanks for those involved in the response and to the wider public for their continuing patience." Caroline Sharkey, Duty Flood Advisor of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scotland's flood warning authority, said: "There is a low risk of river flooding in the Scottish Borders from Tuesday afternoon as rivers are expected to rise in response to the heavy rain predicted across the south east of Scotland."

"SEPA will be monitoring the situation 24/7 and would urge those living, working or travelling through flood risk areas to remain vigilant and use Floodline on 0845 988 11 88 or online at http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/ for updated Flood Warnings." Five actions have been laid out by SEPA to prepare the public for more flooding which are: * Have a flood plan ready to put into action * Keep in contact with Floodline 0845 98811 / http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates for the latest flood Alerts & Warnings * Consider fitting flood protection products to your property in case of a flood and rehearse how to fit them * Move important documents, valuable items, business stock and supplies, vehicles and livestock into a safe place.

* Make sure friends, family and neighbours are aware and prepared - especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.

For more advice and guidance: www.sepa.org.uk/flooding or via Floodline 0845 9881188