The Met Office has issued a three-day snow warning for icy conditions and snowstorms – and people affected by the warnings are being urged to prepare for possible disruption to travel and power cuts.
The forecasters have issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow on three separate days from today until Tuesday, with Scotland affected today and large parts of England warned on Monday and Tuesday.
The weather experts have said that as much as 10 to 20cm could fall in parts of England as well as Wales, with 10cm possible even on lower ground.
Major cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Newcastle, Sheffield and Leeds are all affected on Monday and Tuesday, with the warning for snow stretching from the east coast to the west coast of England and the midlands.
For those affected by snow warnings, the forecaster has set advice for preparing for ice and snow disruption.
First, make sure mobile phones are charged, and keep a spare fully charged battery pack on hand.
This is because snow can cause localised power cuts, so it’s best to prepare for a loss of connectivity. Landlines, also, can be cut during storms, so charging your mobile is the best way to be ready.
The Met Office said: “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.
“People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance and it’s easy to do. The essentials that could help you cope with a power cut are: candles and matches or lighters, torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack.
“If your power goes out these simple steps can help you deal with the situation: Switch off all electrical appliances that shouldn’t be left unattended, ready for when the power comes back on.
“Leave a light on, so you know when the power cut has been fixed.
“Check to see if your neighbours are safe and if they have a power cut too. If they have power, your trip switch may have activated.
“Wrap up. If it’s cold, wrap up warm and close internal doors to keep the heat in.
Portable heaters are a good alternative if heating systems are down.
“Call 105 for information, it’s a free service for people in England, Scotland and Wales.”
The Met Office forecast for the UK says: “A period of rain, sleet and snow will occur during Monday evening, overnight into Tuesday morning.
” The most likely scenario is for most of the snow to accumulate on hills, with 5 to 10 cm possible above 200 metres and perhaps as much as 15 to 20 cm above 300 metres. There is a small chance of snow settling at lower levels, where 5 to 10 cm would prove much more disruptive, but this remains very uncertain.
“As rain, sleet and snow clear on Tuesday morning, ice may form on untreated surfaces.”
