British Gas is urging drivers across the UK to put eight essential items in their cars to prepare for heavy snowfall this week, as multiple yellow weather warnings have been issued. Two warnings for snow are currently in force for large parts of Scotland until 3pm on Wednesday, with periods of sleet, snow and rain expected to bring disruption.
The Met Office has warned that rain feeding into eastern and northern Scotland will increasingly fall as sleet and then snow throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday, with accumulations of up to 3cm expected above 100 metres, and as much as 20cm on higher ground. The snowfall is forecast to be accompanied by strong winds at times, which could lead to blizzard conditions, resulting in travel delays and hazardous driving conditions.
Elsewhere, two further warnings for snow and ice cover parts of the East Midlands, West Midlands, North East England, North West England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and Wales from 6pm on Tuesday until 9am on Wednesday.
The Met Office has warned that the wintry weather is likely to cause travel delays, hazardous driving conditions on untreated roads, and icy surfaces, which could lead to injuries from slips and falls.
Drivers are advised to allow longer journey times and to ensure cars are well stocked with essentials in the event of delays.
In its advice for preparing for heavy snowfall, British Gas urged drivers to make a ‘car kit’ comprising eight key items that will all prove useful during bouts of cold weather. These include:
- De-icer and scrapers
- Wiper fluid and anti-freeze
- Jump leads
- Food
- Water
- Torch
- Phone and phone charger
- Blanket
The major energy supplier also recommends keeping your fuel tank at least half full during cold and snowy weather as this helps to prevent fuel lines from freezing and will ensure you have a safety reserve for running the heater in the event you get stuck.
British Gas said: “De-icer, scrapers, wiper fluid and anti-freeze will all come in handy if you need to drive during a cold snap. You might even want to keep some jump leads in the boot in case your car doesn’t start.
“And before going on any journeys, make sure you’ve got some food, water, a torch, your phone and charger, plus a blanket or two with you.
“Have your brakes, heater, tyres and windscreen wipers checked to make sure they're in good working order before winter. And if you can keep your fuel tank half full during snowy conditions, all the better.”