Shoppers are being urged to stock up on bottled water as soon as possible before the snowstorm blankets the UK on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Different parts of the UK have been given different yellow by the Met Office, with England and Wales and the south of Scotland set to see snow of up to 20cm overnight on Monday and Tuesday while the north of Scotland will see further snow on Wednesday, according to the latest Met Office forecasts.

The forecaster said disruption is possible, including to travel and to power supplies, in the affected areas, which include major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham and Leeds.

Energy supplier has advice available to customers on how to prepare for heavy snow.

In its advice, the gas and electricity supplier advises its customers to stock up on drinking water, as well as "non perishable food and snacks" as well as extra blankets. Sometimes, burst and frozen pipes, as well as power cuts, can cause problems with water supplies during cold snaps.

For those who have to drive, British Gas also advised to keep drinking water in your car, as well as a phone charger and blankets, in case you get stuck somewhere.

It said: "There's nothing like that first day. But the reality of a heavy drift soon hits if you're unprepared.

"It's a good habit to have at least three days' worth of food and essentials stored in an easy-to-reach part of your home.

"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.

"And before going on any journeys, make sure you've got some food, water, a torch, your phone and charger, plus a blanket or two with you."

Although supermarkets are well stocked at this time of year, the phenomenon of panic buying can set in when the snow comes down, so it may be worth grabbing a bottle of water or two when you're out, but leave enough for other people, too.