Drivers are being urged to prepare for a snowstorm set to freeze the UK this week, after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for snow and rain.
The forecaster has urged people to beware of travel disruption on the roads and railways this week, with a 26-hour rain warning in the south of England (6am tomorrow to 8am Thursday) and a 14-hour snow warning in Wales and the west Midlands (4pm tomorrow to 6am Thursday). 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 six key items in their car to help deal with the snow. As well as filling up with 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 before Thursday:
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
Rain across parts of southwest and southern England
Wednesday 0600 – Thursday 0800
1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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.”
4. 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.”
5. 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.”
6. 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.”