THE Borders has been issued a yellow warning for 'persistent' rain this week.

Starting at 9am on Tuesday (December 12) and ending at 3am on Wednesday (December 13), the Met Office says there is a "small chance" of flooding on roads and properties.

Areas likely to be affected by the warning include: Peebles, Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso, and Eyemouth.

A Met Office spokesperson said: "An area of rain arriving from the west early on Tuesday is expected to become slow-moving and persistent across this region, most likely eventually clearing southeast in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"Much of the warning area is expected to see 15-30 mm of rainfall during this time, and in some places, particularly east facing areas of higher ground, 50-75 mm is possible, which could lead to some flooding."

What to do when a rain warning is given

Whether you are handling flooding or power cuts in your home, or you're preparing to travel through an area experiencing heavy rain or flooding, it's best to plan ahead as much as possible. Here are some of the Met Office's top tips for what you can do to prepare:

  • Check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit
  • Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary
  • People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items
  • Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area

For more information on this warning, and guides on staying safe during weather warnings, visit the Met Office website.