Scotland's weather: Severe flood warnings remain in force in Scottish Borders

Severe flood warnings are still in place for parts of the Scottish Borders after people were told to evacuate their homes as Storm Dennis swept the country. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (Sepa) highest warning level remained in force for Newcastleton and Hawick on Sunday after advising some residents to leave their homes. Rest centres – set up at Teviotdale Leisure Centre and Newcastleton community centre for affected people –  were stood down on Sunday morning, the Scottish Borders Council tweeted. Sepa flood duty manager Mark McLaughlin said on Saturday: "Severe flood warnings for areas in the Scottish Borders have been issued tonight as we continue to see rivers respond to the impacts of Storm Dennis. "These warnings mean that extensive flooding is expected to properties and businesses with many roads impassable. Some evacuations have been advised. "The severe flood warnings have been issued for Teviot and Slitrig at Hawick and Newcastleton. We advise people to stay away from flood water and to not take unnecessary risks… "If you are affected or concerned about flooding please contact the emergency services." Rest Centres in #Hawick and #Newcastleton have stood down. We continue to monitor the situation from our bunker. SBC (@scotborders) February 16, 2020 Deputy First Minister John Swinny was among MSPs expressing concerns in the "very difficult conditions" with local representative Paul Wheelhouse adding: "This seems like it is pretty bad. Too early to say just how bad." It is the second time in a week storm conditions have hit the country with Hawick suffering particular damage. A guest house and bistro collapsed into the River Teviot last Sunday, though no-one was injured. Footage p