The Met Office has issued an urgent warning for motorists across Britain to pack an emergency kit containing nine essential items in their vehicles. This comes as significant snowfall, potentially reaching eight inches (20cm), is forecast to hit parts of the country, accompanied by a blast of chilly Arctic air.
Widespread Weather Warnings and Hazardous Conditions
Amber weather warnings for snow and ice have been activated, coming into force from this evening for areas including the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds. Forecasters predict these regions could see accumulations of up to 20 centimetres of snow.
Meanwhile, a broader swathe of the UK, encompassing the northeast, northern Scotland, and much of coastal Wales, is under a yellow weather warning. Hazardous icy conditions are also expected in parts of Kent and Cornwall, making travel treacherous.
Adding to the dramatic weather shift, the Met Office has also forecast the possibility of a rare phenomenon known as 'thundersnow'. This occurs when heavy rain falls as snow, combining with thunderstorm conditions. The lightning appears exceptionally bright because the light reflects off the snowflakes.
The Essential Emergency Kit for Your Car
With the deteriorating conditions, the Met Office has published specific guidance for drivers, particularly those in affected areas. The key advice is to prepare an emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded or break down.
The nine essential items recommended are:
- Warm clothing
- Food and water
- A blanket
- A torch
- An ice scraper and de-icer
- A warning triangle
- A high-visibility vest
- An in-car phone charger
Having these items to hand could be vital for safety while waiting for assistance in freezing conditions.
Why is the UK Experiencing This Cold Snap?
Temperatures plummeted to -6C overnight as winter arrived early across much of the United Kingdom. This sharp drop is due to an incoming plume of cold Arctic air, which is now firmly in charge of the UK's weather.
Snow has already begun to fall in some regions, with reports of a white-covered beach in Scarborough and several road accidents in North Yorkshire ahead of the larger winter showers expected tonight.
Met Office Chief Forecaster, Neil Armstrong, stated: "Cold Arctic air from the north is firmly in charge of the UK’s weather, bringing the first notable cold snap of this autumn and giving an early taste of winter weather."
He added that while not all areas will see lying snow, accumulations of 2-5cm are possible in places exposed to northerly winds, with 15-25cm likely over higher ground in Scotland and the North York Moors. Daytime temperatures will remain in low single figures for many, with overnight ice creating particularly tricky travel conditions.
