The Met Office has issued advice for Brits following the yellow weather warning of ice on Monday, January 12, to Tuesday, January 13. Temperatures across the UK have plummeted over the last week, with many areas facing freezing conditions, snow, and ice.
Households have been warned to take extra precautions to stay safe when travelling, including only doing so if absolutely necessary and packing a winter driving kit when heading out on the roads. In addition to all the advice offered, the Met Office has urged Brits to do one specific thing before leaving their homes.
The Met Office said: “Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal. Not needing to rush, reduces your risk of accidents, slips and falls.”
Slipping on icy roads and pavements is a common incident that can affect anyone. Therefore, allowing yourself the extra time as recommended enables you to travel at a pace that will both keep you safe and arrive at your destination on time.
Those travelling on foot and bikes should use pavements along main roads wherever possible, as they are typically less slippery.
Drivers are also recommended to leave earlier as the forecasted weather conditions are likely to cause delays.
While the weather warning is expected to be lifted by 10am on Tuesday, it is advisable to check local weather forecasts for updates, as weather warnings can change quickly.
Additionally, cold weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with reports of possible windy conditions, rainfall, and potential flood risks in Scotland, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
David Morgan, SEPA Flood Duty Manager, said: “Continuing heavy rain, combined with melting snow, increases the risk of flooding. Flood risk is greatest in Dumfries and Galloway, and the west and north of Scotland. Possible impacts could include flooding affecting parts of communities, low-lying land, transport infrastructure and individual properties.”
You can keep up to date with the risk on SEPA’s Live Flooding Information Page.
