UPDATE FROM SBC -  The amber warning for wind (Storm Dudley) has been amended and now runs from 4pm to midnight on Wednesday. The two additional two yellow warnings also remain in place.

SCOTTISH Borders Council are advising residents of the region to sign up to their free emergency service ‘SB Alert website’ ahead of this week’s adverse weather.

SB Alert is a free messaging service where people can receive regular updates on crime, scams, weather warnings, road closures, and other emergencies.

The Council are also asking resident to prepare for the windy weather which is due to hit the region from Wednesday afternoon.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for wind which covers all the Scottish Borders and runs from 6pm on Wednesday 16 February to 9am on Thursday 17 February.

There is still some uncertainty in the timing and location of the strongest winds but Storm Dudley has the potential to bring inland wind gusts of 70-80 mph in places. Gusts of 80-90 mph are possible around exposed coasts and hills.

Two further yellow weather warnings for wind are also in place. The first covers the period from 3pm on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday and forms part of Storm Dudley. The second runs from midnight on Thursday until 9pm on Friday.

Residents are asked to be prepared for the conditions with the Met Office warning of the potential for power cuts, damage to buildings and fallen trees.

Transport services may be affected, with the likelihood that some roads may be closed, leading to longer journey times.

There is also the potential for disruption to coastal communities with beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, roads and properties.

You can sign up for SB Alerts via the SBC website.