Drivers are being urged to prepare for another snowstorm set to freeze the UK this Thursday after the Met Office issued another flurry of warnings for snow and ice in England, Scotland and Wales.
The forecaster has urged people to beware of travel disruption out on the roads this week including delays and the risk of becoming ‘stranded’ due to the ‘significant and frequent’ snow showers looming.
The forecaster also says pavements may become ‘impassable’ and rural communities could end up cut off entirely.
As part of its advice on driving in cold weather linked to its forecasts, the Met Office has shared information from breakdown experts at the RAC, urging people to put at least 6 key items in their car to help deal with the snow.
As well as filling up on fuel, these key items could be a literal life-saver if you find yourself stranded, as the Met Office warns you could.
It urged drivers to pack in their car:
Warm, high vis clothes and blankets
“It's sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown - a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves. If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it's crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life.”
Jump leads
“Flat or dead batteries can happen to any car regardless of age and at any time, but in cold weather such problems are far more likely to occur.
“Always have a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car.”
Empty fuel can
“In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.”
Food and drink
“In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.”
Shovel
“Unless the weather is very snowy you shouldn’t usually find deep snow on treated roads, but if you’re driving on smaller roads or there is a snowstorm or blizzard you may be surprised. With a shovel you can dig yourself out”
Warning triangle
“A warning triangle is used to warn other motorists that your vehicle has broken down. Ideally you need two - one to position in front of the car and the second at the rear. And you might be surprised how far away they should be placed - the signs should be at least 45 metres away from the vehicle.”
Torch
“A phone light won’t really give you visibility if you’re stuck by the side of country road in winter. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which doesn't require battery power is essential for your vehicle.”
The Met Office said in its forecast: “Wintry showers feeding inland from the North Sea through Wednesday and Thursday may lead to some disruption
“Possible travel delays on roads stranding some vehicles and passengers
“Wintry showers feeding inland from the North Sea through Wednesday and Thursday may give some snow accumulations in places, especially farther inland away from the immediate windward coast. Whilst there will be a lot of regional variation, with some places seeing little or no lying snow, where showers are most frequent accumulations of 2-5 cm are possible. However, the North York Moors, and perhaps parts of the Yorkshire Wolds, could potentially receive 15-25 cm of snow by Thursday, leading to some significant disruption.
“Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger)”