Drivers are being urged to fill up their car with petrol or diesel before Friday morning as a fresh batch of snow forecasts could bring travel disruption to certain parts of the UK on Friday.
The Met Office has forecast snow for most of Scotland and large swathes of northern England from the early hours of Friday morning, just after midnight, until mid-morning on Friday.
While there are no formal coloured warnings in place as yet, areas including most of Scotland, major cities in northern England including Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Stoke, and counties including Cumbria, Lancashire and North, South and West Yorkshire are facing snow according to the Met Office maps, especially on high ground.
The RAC, in its guidance on driving in wet weather, urges people to fill up their cars before they travel in bad weather. This is because if you get stuck in traffic, you will increase your fuel consumption and could run out sooner than you planned.
It says: “Firstly it is always advisable to consider before you set off whether your journey is essential.
“If not, can it be delayed until after the rain has subsided? If so then plan your journey in advance, taking care to avoid areas which are prone to flooding, and factor in extra time to allow for slower speeds and potential congestion.
“Check that your windscreen wiper blades are fully functional. If both front and back blades are not up to scratch, get them replaced.
“Try to fill up with fuel before you travel, as getting stuck in traffic will increase your fuel consumption - remember, with the lights, heater and wipers switched on, your fuel economy will be reduced even further.
“Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts.
“Carry a mobile phone in case you encounter any difficulties during your journey.”
The Met Office forecast for Thursday says: "Rather cloudy and breezy with some rain and hill snow lingering in the northeast, whilst showers give way to more persistent rain towards the southwest. Some brighter breaks developing elsewhere."
And on Friday, it adds: "Friday looks unsettled with brisk winds. Rather cloudy skies giving outbreaks of rain for many. Brighter and becoming less breezy for most over the weekend, albeit with scattered showers still."
