A RED (Take Action) weather warning remains in place in the western Scottish Borders, valid until 7am today (Sunday).

Residents should take action to protect themselves and follow the advice of the emergency services.

Further heavy rain is forecast to hit the region overnight, with up to 30mm possible. This is likely to have an impact across the Scottish Borders.

High flood warnings remain in place for Hawick and Newcastleton. The rest centre for evacuated residents in Newcastleton is likely to remain open throughout the night, and the Hawick rest centre will stay open.

SEPA has reported that most river levels are steadying, however with further heavy rain due, levels will remain high and are likely to increase rapidly again once the rain arrives.

The advice to residents in areas with active flood warning people should be prepared. In Hawick and Newcastleton where the flood risk is high, with severe impacts, the public must take action.

Members of the public are urged not to go out to take photographs of rivers or flood water and stay clear of bridges with high running water.

Members of the public are being strongly advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.

Up to 30mm of rain is expected to pass across the region overnight until 7am this morning. Following that, on Monday, 20-40mm of rain is expected.

There are currently 21 flood warnings in place for the Scottish Borders, and an amber warning for wind has been issued, valid from 1400 yesterday until 0200 this morning.

Police Scotland led a phased evacuation in Hawick on Friday night and during Saturday in affected streets. A rest centre remains in operation at Teviotdale Leisure Centre.

A number of those who were evacuated overnight have now been relocated to stay with family/friends and an overnight plan for those remaining within the rest centre is in place.

Due to flooding of a sub-station, Scottish Power shut off electricity supplies to a number of properties in Hawick which had been covered by evacuations. Residents who had no left and those on or above the second floor were affected, although a number attended the rest centre.

Many roads are impassable in and around Hawick. The A7 south of the town is closed due to flooding, a landslide and a fallen tree.

Further advice for residents is to stay away from flood water and do not take unnecessary risks.  If you are affected or concerned about flooding please contact the emergency services.

Due to the risk of flooding in Newcastleton, Police Scotland led evacuations with colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday evening.

A rest centre is established in the village hall. Facilities are in place there to accommodate those evacuated.

Given the high demand sandbag supplies are being prioritised to ensure the sandbags are only used to protect properties at immediate threat of flooding.

Members of the public must ensure they identify family members or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand during this time and have their phone numbers to hand.

The Council’s emergency planning bunker continues to operate with multi-agency team, including the emergency services, in place to co-ordinate the response.

Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer, explained: “While we are seeing river levels generally begin to plateau, the forecasted heavy band of rain could have a significant impact given the already saturated ground and residents should be prepared and take action where required while flood warnings are in place.”