Households across the UK are being urged to buy six essential food items before a 15-hour snowstorm sweeps the country.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 7pm on Monday until 10am on Tuesday, which could bring potential disruption to much of the country.
The wintry weather will affect parts of Scotland, northern England, north Wales, the north Midlands and the whole of Northern Ireland, bringing up to 20cm of snow in some areas.
The national forecaster has warned people living in the affected regions that power cuts may occur, mobile phone coverage may be disrupted and some rural communities could become cut off.
As such, households are being urged to be prepared for the bout of cold weather by ensuring they have essential items on hand.
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.”
As well as torches and battery packs, it’s recommended that people ensure 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 shop, 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 six food and drink items ahead of a snowstorm including:
Bottled water (in case of disruption to supplies)
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.”
