It might sound strange, but drivers are being urged to put a square of carpet in their car’s boot on Tuesday to help prepare for the arrival of ice and snow.
The Met Office has launched a series of yellow weather warnings for ice and for snow primarily in England and Scotland on Tuesday, with sub zero temperatures and flurries of snow making conditions difficult both at home and on the road.
But according to breakdown experts the RAC, drivers should put a square of carpet in the boot of their car as a way to prepare for snow.
It’s actually a bit of a stroke of genius. The reason is because you can use the carpet to put under your wheels if you get stuck in the snow, and need extra grip to try to drive yourself back out.
The RAC says in its advice on driving in snow and ice: “Be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring that your car is equipped with the following: demisting pad, torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery), a hi-vis vest to make you visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screenwash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, shovel, phone charger, map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow.”
The Met Office has issued a host of yellow weather warnings for this week. From 6am on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday there is a snow and ice warning for the north east of England, from Northumberland to Hull and covering the likees of Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle.
Meanwhile from 6pm on Tuesday to 9pm on Thursday there is a separate snow and ice warning for the northern half of Scotland. Other yellow ice warnings for a wider part of Scotland are in place between today (Monday) and Thursday.
In its forecast, the Met Office explained: “Outbreaks of rain and hill snow, falling on subzero surfaces, could lead to some icy conditions on Tuesday morning
“Outbreaks of rain spreading southeastwards on Tuesday, initially falling on subzero surfaces, and with snow on high ground, could lead to some icy stretches in places during the morning. Snow accumulations of 1-3 cm will be possible on some hills above about 300m elevation.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”