A MAJOR incident has been declared in Hawick as residents are evacuated from their properties due to heavy flooding. 

The Scottish Borders has suffered from downpours throughout the day and the situation affecting the River Tweed and River Teviot is "worsening rapidly".

The area's council predicts for up to 500 properties could be flooded; schools and health centres have been closed and  rest centre has been set up for those affected. 

A Scottih Borders Council statement said: "SEPA projections indicate that the Teviot in Hawick will peak above 3m at around 4pm this afternoon, which could result in significant damage to properties in at risk areas of the town and pose a risk to public safety.

"The indications from the Council’s flood team are that this would be a significant flood event with the potential for up to 500 properties being affected.

 

"Senior officers from across the multi-agency partners, including Scottish Borders Council, Police Scotland, NHS Borders and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, have taken the decision to declare a major incident in Hawick, which will be led by Police Scotland.

"Plans to evacuate residents and businesses likely to be affected are now being activated."

Trinity Primary School and Hawick High School have send pupils and staff home. 

While NHS Borders has taken the decision to close Teviot Health Centre and all services that operate within the Health Centre.

The Council has reopened the rest centre at Teviotdale Leisure Centre at 2pm to provide assistance to those displaced by the risk of flooding.

READ MORE: Scotland weather: LIVE updates as country is hit with flooding due to heavy rain

Agencies are also keeping a close eye on Peebles as he flooding situationthere is also very serious. All schools in the Peebles area have closed early this afternoon where transport arrangements permit.

Chief Inspector Vinnie Fisher, Local Area Commander for the Scottish Borders, said: “We have been monitoring the situation with the weather in the Borders closely as the day has progressed and we have now made the decision, alongside our partners, to declare a major incident and have begun evacuating various residents around the River Teviot from their properties.

“We are working with our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Borders Council to safely move all of those affected and ensure they are appropriately accommodated for the time being.

“I would urge the public to avoid travel within the region unless absolutely necessary and to pay attention for more information as we continue to respond to this matter.”

Anyone requiring assistance can call a dedicated helpline on 01835 826549.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has mobilised four appliances and an additional water rescue unit in the area ‘as a precautionary measure.’