SCOTTISH Borders Council is urging residents to prepare for “heavy and persistent” rainfall.

An amber weather warning was issued by the Met Office earlier today (October 27).

The alert is in place from 9pm tonight until 9am tomorrow.

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A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “The Met Office this morning issued an amber weather warning for rain covering an area from just east of Jedburgh and north to the Ettrick Valley and then across into Dumfries and Galloway.

“Up to 80mm of rainfall is anticipated quite widely in this area, with peak totals of around 100mm falling in an 18-hour period. The heaviest rain is predicted to clear eastwards from mid-morning on Thursday.

“SEPA is currently predicting potentially significant increases in river levels in areas across the warning area, including Hawick, Newcastleton and Jedburgh based on rainfall estimations and existing river levels.

“Other areas including the Bowmont Valley and the Ettrick Valley, the latter having already experienced some minor flooding last night, will also be monitored closely throughout this period.”

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The spokesperson added: “Although Peebles does fall outwith the warning area, the council will also be monitoring the area closely for rainfall and river levels.

“Residents in at-risk areas with flood protection products are advised to put these in place this afternoon as a precaution.

“The council’s emergency planning centre, involving multi-agency partners, will be in operation throughout tonight and tomorrow to co-ordinate responses as required.

“Residents are encouraged to sign up to the free SB Alert system for further updates direct to their chosen email address.

“To stay updated on the latest flood warnings and guidance, sign up to SEPA’s Floodline Service for live updates or check their website.”