Drivers are being urged to prepare for more snowstorms which look set to freeze the UK this week, from Tuesday all the way to Friday, after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for snow for parts of Scotland with more snow forecast for the days following in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The forecaster has urged people to beware of travel disruption on the roads and railways this week, with a 39-hour snow warning in Scotland, another separate warning for the Shetlands, followed by snow forecast in England and Wales later in the week. 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.
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It urged drivers to pack in their car:
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.”
The Met Office said in its yellow weather warning for most of north east Scotland and the Orkney Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday: "Rain feeding into eastern and northern Scotland will increasingly fall as sleet and then snow through Tuesday and into Wednesday. By Wednesday accumulations of 1-3cm are expected above 100 metres, with perhaps up to 5cm in some places. For ground above 200 metres, accumulations of 10cm are expected with some places locally seeing up to 20cm.
"At low levels precipitation will be a mix of rain, sleet and snow which could lead to some small snow accumulations in places.
"Strong winds at times will lead to blizzard conditions and drifting of lying snow, especially in the north of the warning area.
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"Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous. Keep yourself and others safe by planning your route, giving yourself extra time for your journey. Check for road closures or delays to public transport and amend plans if necessary.
"If driving, make sure you have some essentials in your car in the event of any delays (e.g., warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger)."
