BORDERERS are being warned to expect more disruption as Storm Gertrude hits the region.

Four combined weather warnings are in place covering tonight and the weekend.
 
The combination of these warnings is very likely to cause problems over the course of the next few days, including flooding, fallen trees, potential disruption to power supplies and significant travel disruption.
 
 
As well as a Yellow (Be Aware) warning for rain from 3pm today until 12noon tomorrow, an Amber (Be Prepared) warning has been issued for wind for the whole of the Borders from 3am until 10am tomorrow morning.
 
In addition, a Yellow warning for wind is in place from 1am until 6pm tomorrow; with a Yellow warning for snow and wind in place from 12.05am on Friday until 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
 
School transport
 
The Council and partners including Police Scotland will be monitoring the situation closely throughout the night.  A final decision about whether school transport will operate will be communicated via Groupcall, local radio, the Council’s website and social media feeds at 6.30am tomorrow morning.  
 
Borders College students are advised to listen to Radio Borders for travel updates.
  
Multi-Agency Response
 
The Emergency Planning Bunker at SBC is open for the duration of Storm Gertrude. 
 
The Council has put in plans to ensure it can respond to any impact along with partners and emergency services. 
 
Sandbag stores are restocked and Neighbourhood Operations teams are continuing to provide 24/7 cover to respond to impact of the storm. This includes having teams equipped to respond to fallen trees/debris and flooding. Teams are also continuing to monitor debris grilles at rivers. 
 
Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer said: "Given the number and content of the weather warnings issued, and the current ground conditions, we are preparing for a significant and extended weather event across the region.”
 
"The Council and partner agencies are doing our very best to plan for the potential impacts of Storm Gertrude and would urge residents to make sure they are fully aware of the forecasts and take all necessary steps to prepare themselves".
 
"Travel disruption is almost inevitable given the weather forecast we have been provided with and it may well be that Police Scotland advise during the upcoming days that travel should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary.”