Households in 27 areas of the UK are being urged to buy six essential food items before a 17-hour snowstorm on Tuesday. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and rain between midnight and 5pm on Tuesday, covering the northern parts of the country. The national forecaster said a deep area of low pressure, named Storm Chandra, will bring wet and windy conditions to the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales from late Monday into Tuesday before moving north, where colder air will turn heavy rain to snow.
It is expected that up to 5cm of snow could fall widely in parts of Scotland and Northern England where yellow warnings are in place, while as much as 20cm could accumulate at elevations over 500 metres. An amber warning for wind has also been issued for eastern Northern Ireland, where 70mph is expected widely, while a separate amber warning for rain covers south Devon, much of Dorset, southern Somerset and southeast Cornwall, where heavy downpours are forecast.
Met Office chief forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: "Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday. Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here. Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
"As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands. With a complex spell of weather, its important people stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area."
The Met Office said the unsettled conditions may lead to travel disruption and possible power cuts, with households urged to allow extra time for journeys and to ensure they have essentials in cars in the event of delays, including warm clothing, food, water, a torch and an in-car phone charger.
In its advice for staying safe in snow, the national forecaster added: "You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days. Act now and be prepared, by getting the essentials together that you could need:
As well as torches and batteries, it's recommended that people make sure 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 supermarket, 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 these six key items ahead of a snowstorm:
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."
Listed are the 27 UK areas covered by a yellow weather warning for snow on Tuesday, between midnight and 5pm:
Central, Tayside & FifeHighland
Derbyshire
Staffordshire
