A FLOOD alert has been issued for the Scottish Borders this afternoon. 

Heavy rainfall across the region has lead to a risk of flooding to low lying land and roads from rivers and surface water.

The heaviest of the rainfall will be later this afternoon, with peak water levels likely to occur during the afternoon and evening.

SEPA, Scotland's environmental protection agency say  water levels are expected to be much lower than those experienced earlier this month.

River levels on the River Tweed are rising as a result of heavy rain this morning.

Flooding of low lying properties close to the river is expected. Properties at risk include Wester Dawyck, Easter Happrew and Altarstone. Standing water on roads, including the B712, may lead to difficult driving conditions. 
Scottish Borders Council have two Sandbag stores near to this warning area, one at Broughton Primary School and the other at the Fire Station in Peebles.

There is a risk of flooding to low-lying areas near to the Ettrick Water including the B709 and B7009 roads leading to access problems along the valley. The access to Thirlestane Gardens property may be cut off. There is a risk of flooding to properties in Ettrick, Angecroft, and Deephope and Hopehouse Caravan Parks. 

Scottish Borders Councils nearest Sandbag store is a locked store at Philiphaugh Rugby Ground in Selkirk operated by the Flood Support Group. There is another sandbag store located at the Fire Station at Shawpark Crescent in Selkirk. 

River levels on the River Teviot are rising as a result of the heavy rain earlier today. 

Road flooding is expected at Teviot Road and Mansfield Road. There is a risk of property flooding on Teviot Road, Teviot Crescent, and Laidlaw Terrace. Flooding is also possible along both sides of the river downstream of the cauld including Upper Common Haugh and St Georges Lane. 

For Information: Scottish Borders Councils nearest local sandbag store is located at the Fire Station on Howdenbank in Hawick.

For the full list of affected areas see:  http://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates/info/group-id/4974