HIGH winds and persistent downpours have led to the region being placed on a yellow weather alert.

Flood warnings were issued for the Tweed between Drumzelier and Dawyck as water levels rose overnight on Wednesday.

And there were also warnings issued for the Ettrick Water, south of Selkirk, and the Teviot at both Hawick and downstream towards Bonjedward.

Although the specific flood warnings were lifted by Thursday morning, the entire region has remained under a Flood Alert.

A spokesman for the Scottish Environmental protection Agency told us: "Impacts are likely to include localised flooding of low-lying land and roads, disruption to travel and difficult driving conditions."

The heavy rain has left many roads with lengthy areas of surface water - although all routes are passable with care.

And high winds, which have led to a Met Office yellow weather warning being in force throughout Thursday, are also causing difficult driving conditions.

The Met Office have warned that the gusts of up to 60mph throughout Thursday could cause short-term power loss as well as delays and cancellations on public transport.

Scottish Borders Council have confirmed that all roads remain open.

A spokesman for the local authority told us: "We would advise people to drive to the conditions as there are both high winds and areas of surface water.

"A weather warning has been in place from Wednesday afternoon but we've not been made aware of too many problems.

"We expect conditions to improve going into the weekend."