Multiple amber and yellow weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK.
Multiple weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued across the UK (Image: Getty)
Households across the UK are being urged to buy six essential food items before a 16-hour snowstorm sweeps the country. Multiple amber and yellow national severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office, affecting parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and central and southern England. An amber warning for snow will take effect from 6pm today (Sunday, January 4) until 10am on Monday, January 5, affecting large swathes of northern and eastern Scotland, with heavy snow showers forecast over the 16-hour period.
The Met Office has warned that the snow showers will become more frequent and will lead to some travel disruption on Sunday night and Monday Morning. Meanwhile, several yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are also in force from Sunday until Tuesday, with temperatures expected to be well below average, widespread frost and ice and an increasing risk of snow showers over the coming days.
Households are being warned that up to 10cm of snow is likely to fall fairly widely, while a few palces over mainland Scotland could see up to 30cm and strong winds could cause blizzard conditions.
The Met Office said: “Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The areas and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.”
The snow and icy conditions are expected to lead to travel delays on roads, delayed or cancelled bus and train services, and possible power cuts and mobile phone outages, while some rural communities could become cut off. As such, households are being urged to be prepared for the bout of wintry weather by ensuring they have essential items on hand.
The Met Office explains: “People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.”
In its advice for staying safe in snow, the national forecaster added: “You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can’t access services and amenities for a number of days. Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:
- Torches and batteries
- Candles and matches or lighters
- Plenty of blankets and warm clothing.”
As well as torches and batteries, it’s recommended that people make sure their home is well stocked with essential food items ready for the snowstorm.
Direct Energy says households should stock up on non-perishable snacks and supplies in the event that you aren’t able to get to your local supermarket, or you are affected by a power outage, so you don’t go hungry while waiting for the bad weather to pass.
According to the energy firm, households should make sure they have these six key items ahead of a snowstorm:
- Bottled water
- Bread
- Milk
- tinned goods, especially warming foods like soups and stews
- Snack foods, such as crisps, crackers and cookies in sealed packages
- Cereal and granola
- Dried pasta and jars of sauce
The firm said: “After heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, you could find yourself snowed in for days. Getting cut off from your local grocery store could be made worse by a prolonged power outage, which would leave you with just a few hours to enjoy the remaining contents of your fridge safely.
“But if you stock your pantry with filling shelf-stable foods, you won’t go hungry while waiting for the snow to be cleared.”
