Scottish Borders Council has taken the decision to close all schools and early learning and childcare facilities and cancel all waste and recycling services on Friday in light of the red weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office.
Care at home services will operate but on a risk-based approach, focusing on supporting those most in need. Families are asked to help wherever possible and safe to do so.
All Contact Centres and Social Work offices will also be closed, with services available online or over the phone. All SBC-run public transport services are cancelled for Friday.
The red warning covers a large part of the Scottish Borders from 10am to 5pm on Friday, with gusts of up to 90mph possible widely. A wider amber weather warning for wind runs from 6am to 9pm on Friday and covers the whole of the region. Very significant wind speeds are expected across the whole area, with a significant risk of disruption and danger to life.
The public have been advised not to travel within the red weather warning area by Police Scotland and should expect travel disruption across a much wider area too. Extended power outages are also possible.