UK households urged to buy 7 items as snow storms return

Snow is set to blanket much of the UK again and we are being told to prepare (Image: Getty)

Snowstorms are set to return to various parts of the country tonight after days of ice, frost and subzero temperatures, with several parts of the country already battling heavy snowfall.

Though it might sound dramatic, both the Met Office and energy supplier British Gas have advice available on preparing for snow storms, with recommendations on what to do and how to make sure you have the right things at home to help cope if the snow does come down and ends up being heavy.

The Met Office has forecast snow and ice for various parts of the UK today following three days of yellow and amber weather warnings for snow affecting England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office advises that people should prepare in the event of being cut off due to disruption. It says: “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.”

And British Gas, in its advice on preparing for heavy snow, says UK households should have seven key items ready, including spare batteries, drinking water, extra blankets and a phone charger.

It says: “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.”

The Met Office in its Friday and weekend forecast says: "Snow and ice warnings remain in force before the weather pattern shifts this weekend.

"The UK continues to experience wintry hazards today and into early Friday, as a cold northerly airstream brings snow showers and icy patches to parts of the country.  

"Snow and ice warnings remain in place, with new ice warnings issued for some areas overnight into Friday morning."

Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said: "We’re still in the grip of a cold, Arctic air mass today and into Friday, and that means further wintry showers for some, and ice, particularly overnight.  

"Multiple warnings are currently in place, with new warnings for the overnight period issued.  

"Temperatures will fall sharply again tonight, with lows potentially reaching -12°C in rural parts of Scotland and widely below freezing elsewhere. As temperatures fall overnight, ice will form on untreated surfaces and may cause some travel disruption tonight and into Friday morning."