The Met Office has this morning issued an updated Red weather warning for high winds covering eastern parts of the Scottish Borders which runs from 3pm today until 2am on Saturday morning.
For latest see our Severe Weather page
Winds of up to 90mph forecast for this evening
Strong winds up to 90mph are expected to peak at 8pm tonight across coastal communities including Eyemouth, Burnmouth, Pease Bay and Cove, causing a potential risk to life as damage to homes, travel disruption and large waves are expected.
A flood alert has also been issued by SEPA across eastern areas of the Scottish Borders for coastal flooding.
An underlying Amber weather warning for wind remains in place across the whole of the Scottish Borders from 3pm today until 9am on Saturday morning.
A yellow weather warning for snow covering western and central parts of the Borders from 5pm today until 10am tomorrow is also in place. Accumulations of 2-4cm of snow is expected overnight in areas above 100m which may cause travel disruption in higher areas.
Residents are encouraged to be prepared for the conditions, with the Met Office warning of the potential for flying debris and damage to homes in areas affected by the Red warning with power cuts, fallen trees and travel disruption extremely likely.
Flood warning issued for coastal communities
Large waves of over 3 metres and overtopping along the Berwickshire coast is likely from Friday afternoon through to Saturday, particularly at high tide, with the potential for a coastal surge of 2 metres.
The resulting high waves have the potential to cause significant damage to coastal infrastructure and cause beach material to be thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes.
As a precaution flood barriers in Eyemouth are being positioned this afternoon on Harbour Road and will be in place until at least tomorrow. The harbour has also been closed.
Stay at home for safety
Memners of the public are being advised not to travel or drive unless absolutely necessary during the period of the red weather warning.
Bear Scotland have closed the A1 to high-sided vehicles for today due to gusts of up to 90mph on exposed areas, with diversions in place via the A68. This situation will be re-evaluated later today with a potential full closure possible.
The high winds are expected to ease from 10pm tonight, improving quickly thereafter and gradually easing off throughout the night and into tomorrow morning.
The current forecast is for the peak of the winds to affect the Scottish Borders from Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday. However sustained strong winds are expected throughout the warning periods.
Strong gusts of wind are expected to continue throughout Saturday with colder conditions increasing the chance of ice and the potential for some snow in the highest areas of the Borders.
An out-of-hours helpline has been set up for anyone in the Borders facing issues. Please call 01835 826549.
Updates will be provided by the Council through the free emergency messaging service SB Alert. Sign up now at www.sbalert.co.uk