Households are being urged to stock up (Image: Getty)
Snow could hit several areas of the UK this week, particularly in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland and households are being urged to prepare for the icy blasts.
The Met Office has this morning issued snow and rain warnings for several parts of the country where snow is expected to fall this week, particularly on Tuesday, with cities like Manchester, Sheffield, Preston and York most affected, while areas including Derbyshire, Durham, Northumberland and Lancashire are also forecast to see snow on the weather experts’ snow maps.
The Met Office says in its forecast for Monday: “Largely cloudy today with outbreaks of rain and hill snow in the northeast. Heavy rain and strengthening winds will push into the west during the afternoon, bringing a risk of flooding in some areas. Coastal gales possible in Northern Ireland. Heavy rain will spread across the country overnight with strong winds in the west and hill snow in the north. Coastal gales are likely around western coasts.”
The areas where snow could fall on Tuesday (Image: Met Office)
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In its yellow snow and rain warning for Tuesday, it said: “Whilst accumulating snow is unlikely at low levels, there will be a sharp increase in snow depths with elevation, with the potential for 2-5cm in places above about 300m, 5-10cm above 400m, and 10-20cm above 500m. This may impact some high-level routes, with drifting possible in rather brisk southeasterly winds. Strong, gusty winds, especially to the west of hills, may exacerbate the potential for transport disruption.”
Energy supplier British Gas has a list of advice for homes, urging people to do 10 things to prepare.
The list includes: Improve insulation, including weatherproofing gaps around windows and doors.
Protect pipes, and put insulating tubing on any exposed pipes for your boiler or heating or water supply.
Store extra wood for a log burner indoors, in case you can’t get to it, and don’t put electric heaters near furniture.
The firm also urged people to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if using indoor heating like a log burner.
Households were also urged to check where their stopcock is, in case they need to turn off the water supply due to a burst pipe.
British Gas then told households to prepare for not having heating. It said: “While it’s unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it’s always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy.”
The supplier also urged people to make an emergency kit, adding: “It’s a good habit to have at least three days’ worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home.
“That’s things like medicines, drinking water, non-perishable food and snacks, and extra blankets. You should also keep a torch, batteries and a phone charger close by too.”
For those with a car, the firm said to check several key things. It said: “Have your brakes, heater, tyres and windscreen wipers checked to make sure they’re in good working order before winter.”
And finally, British Gas urged people to check on neighbours as it added: “When severe weather hits, you might find yourself stranded away from home. So plan how you’ll stay in contact with the rest of your household and where you’ll meet if you can’t get home due to heavy snow.
“Check in on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours to make sure they’ve got everything they need to get through a cold snap”
