MOTORISTS were warned not to venture out as worsening weather caused travel disruption across the Borders.

Snow and flooding forced the closure of roads across the region, including both the A7 and A68 - the main routes in and out of the area - with some stranded in long tail backs for more than six hours.

Many other routes, including the A6091 Melrose bypass, were only passable with care, while the A701 south of Leadburn, the A6105 at Earlston and A698 between Hawick and Denholm were expected to reopen overnight.

A number of flood warnings also remained in place across the central Borders from Peebles to Tweedbank and Jedburgh to Hawick.

And sandbags had to be deployed in Bannerfield, Selkirk, to protect homes from rising flood water.

Those caught up in the misery have been venting their frustration on Scottish Borders Council's Facebook page.

Dave Grainger said: "Left Leith at 16:30, got just past Pathhead, only to find Soutra closed, so I head back to the city bypass, to make for Galashiels, then the A7 was closed, so I think right, I'll head back to the city bypass and go A1 to Berwick. A1 shut due to incident. Head back, toward Soutra, now at Pathhead, queuing to go over that, back where I started hours ago. Seven hours to go from Leith to Kelso, a new record." 

Susan Hope said: "Warning to anyone travelling A72 (Peebles to Selkirk) Caddonfoot is like a river. Cars stopping with hazard lights. Awful, worst I've ever seen. Coming in at Bannerfield at the 40mph signs totally under water. Wasn't sure if we'd make it through or have to turn back and go round by Gala."

Nick Scott said: "And don't mention the snow. Just taken six hours to travel 20 miles from South Gyle in Edinburgh to West Linton. All because of about one inch of snow falling at rush hour. Left work at 4.45pm and saw the first snow plough/gritter at 10pm. Finally arrived home 10.45pm."

But Lynne Johnston said: "Can't fault the council tonight, we were stuck due to idiots overtaking in deep snow, they were great at getting us out."

Scottish Borders Council blamed "sudden and significant rainfall and snow" for the disruption.

Council gritters with snow ploughs were deployed to free trapped vehicles and clear the routes. The A68 reopened at 9.30pm and the A7 fully opened at around 10.30pm after snowploughs managed to clear both carriageways near Heriot, where two lorries had jack-knifed.

Seven flood warnings were issued by SEPA in the Peebles, Hawick and Jedburgh areas.

Council staff monitored debris grilles in Jedburgh, Peebles, Selkirk, Hawick, Galashiels and at Broadmeadows overnight.

Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer, said: “This was a challenging situation with very poor weather conditions across the Scottish Borders. Our ability to respond quickly along with our partners in the emergency services allowed us to manage the situation effectively and efficiently.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the speed of response within communities, notably in Jedburgh, Selkirk and Hawick. The response highlighted the importance of the Resilient Community initiative and the work of volunteers to support the more vulnerable within our communities is invaluable.”

The Council confirmed it is continuing to monitor the weather forecasts with further severe weather forecast this weekend.