UK drivers urged to buy 11 items before snowstorms this weekend

The Met Office has issued amber weather warnings for the weekend, with up to 40cm of snow possible in parts of northern England, according to the forecaster.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly, warned: “This weekend will bring a range of weather hazards to the UK, notable snow accumulations, freezing rain, ice and heavy rain as well as some gusty conditions.

“We have issued a number of severe weather warnings, including Amber warnings for snow and ice in parts of England and Wales.

“Some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.”

With snow falling and ice on the roads, conditions may be difficult and dangerous for motorists. With that in mind, the Met Office has guidance for those planning journeys by car during snowstorms.

Express.co.uk reveals the 11 items the Met Office says you need to have in your car, before getting out on the roads this weekend.

Ice scraper and de-icer

Top of the list is an ice scraper and de-icer. Without a clear windscreen driving is dangerous, so carrying items that can ensure you have full view of the road ahead is essential.

Legally, your front and rear windscreen must be clear before you start driving.

Maps and a torch

Smartphones can suffer in the cold; their batteries can drain and their functionality can be impaired. With that in mind, it’s important to have traditional paper maps to ensure you don’t get lost and a proper hardwearing torch in case you need to get out an inspect your vehicle in the dark.

In-car phone charger

One thing you can do to make sure your phone is always powered up is carry an in-car phone charger. However, it’s worth bearing in mind you may not get signal on country roads, so should always be prepared to find your nearest emergency phone or wait for a passing driver and flag them down if needed.

Warm clothes and blankets

If you’re stuck in the snow with a flat battery you may not be able to use the heater to warm yourself up. In that case it is essential you have adequate warm clothing and coverings to keep you toasty while you wait for help.

High-vis clothing

If you have to get out of your car in dark, snowy conditions, other motorists need to be able to see you clearly. In that case, carrying some high-vis clothing is sensible, so you’re visible to oncoming traffic.

Jump leads

It’s always adviseable to have jump leads in your car, as flat batteries can occur at any time. However, it is especially important to carry a set in winter. Here’s some advice from the RAC on how to jump start a car.

Empty fuel can

Hopefully you won’t find yourself in the middle of nowhere without fuel, but if you do having an empty fuel can or ‘Jerrycan’ will prove invaluable.

Food and drink

Setting out in winter, you never know what might happen on the road, so the Met Office advises you plan ahead and take a flask with you and some food to keep you going if you get stuck.

Shovel

One of the most important items on the list. If you’re travelling in rural areas in particular, you may find yourself stuck in fast-settling snow. Carry a shovel and you can dig yourself out of a hole.

Warning triangles

Although not commonly carried a set of warning triangles – one for the front and one for the back – are important pieces of equipment to signal to other vehicles that you’ve broken down.

Surprisingly, the official guidance says the signs should be at least 45 metres away from the vehicle, according to the Met Office.

Sunglasses

It may be cold, but the blaring winter sun can obscure motorists’ vision. If you carry a set of shades, you can ensure you aren’t blinded by the sun while out on the roads.