Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and ice are set to impact travel across the UK for the next three days, prompting authorities to issue urgent advisories for drivers. The Met Office has released several serious amber weather warnings for snow in Scotland, effective from March 3, 2024, until the evening of March 5. Additional yellow warnings for snow and ice have been issued across much of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, particularly affecting travel on March 4 and March 5.
Drivers are strongly encouraged to take necessary precautions if they must travel during this period. According to British Gas, essential items to keep in vehicles include a de-icer, scrapers, anti-freeze, and jump leads. In addition, the company recommends stocking the car with food and water before setting off.
The Met Office warns that “heavy snow showers will become more frequent,” leading to significant travel disruptions from Sunday night into Monday morning. The amber warning indicates that the most intense snow is expected, with conditions deteriorating rapidly.
In their advisory, British Gas states: “De-icer, scrapers, wiper fluid and anti-freeze will all come in handy if you need to drive during a cold snap. You might even want to keep some jump leads in the boot in case your car doesn’t start.”
Before embarking on any journeys, the organization suggests checking that brakes, heaters, tyres, and windscreen wipers are in good working order. Maintaining at least half a tank of fuel during snowy conditions is also advisable.
The yellow weather warnings extend across various regions from March 3 through March 5. The Met Office notes that snow showers will move southwards, potentially leading to a covering of 1-3 cm in multiple locations by Monday morning. Certain areas may even experience accumulations of 5-8 cm, especially in higher elevations of Wales.
As conditions worsen, icy stretches are likely to form widely, particularly on untreated surfaces. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant and reassess the necessity of their journeys during this severe cold snap.
