Drivers are being urged to put blankets and warm clothes in their cars this week after the Met Office issued a fresh weather warning for ice for 20 areas of the UK. An Arctic plunge is set to bring temperatures back to freezing, especially in Scotland, the forecaster said as it issued a yellow weather warning for ice from 6pm on Tuesday, January 13 until 10am on Wednesday, January 14.
In its yellow weather warning for ice, it predicted possible travel disruption as well as a risk of ‘injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces’. The weather experts urged people to put essentials in their car ,such as warm clothing, food and blankets, take a fully charged mobile phone and pack an in-car charger.
In its #tips for staying safe in ice’advice linked to its forecast, the Met Office said: “Pack essentials in your car (warm clothing, food, drink, blanket, torch).
“Check wipers, tyres and screen wash.
“Take a fully charged mobile phone. Pack an in-car charger.
“Leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off. Plan your route. Check for delays and road closures.”
It also urged people to accelerate and brake ‘as smoothly as possible’ to reduce the chances of a skid on the ice, as well as use a higher gear on areas of compacted ice.
It added: “It is safer not to drive in icy conditions, but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:
“Looking well ahead for potential hazards and keep your speed down.
“Accelerating, braking, steering and changing gear as smoothly as possible to reduce the risk of a skid.
“Using a higher gear may be more appropriate to help grip on packed ice.
“Using a higher gear helps manage engine power making it easier to find traction.”
Those going out on foot should leave the house earlier than normal to reduce the chance of a fall or slip by avoiding rushing, and urged people to take extra care on pavements.
The Met Office said in its warning: “Clear spells will lead to ice developing on untreated surfaces on Tuesday night, particularly in areas of snowmelt by day and also where wintry showers move inland from the west overnight.
“If you need to make a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.
“Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
“Be prepared for weather warnings to change: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.”