The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for snow and rain across Scotland and northern England, with up to 50mm of rain and 20cm of snow possible. Experts are urging drivers to fill up their fuel tanks
Motorists have been urged to carry out one crucial task before Wednesday, as experts warn against hitting the road without completing it first. Wintry conditions are set to sweep in this week, with yellow weather warnings issued for Monday and Tuesday (January 26 and 27).
The Met Office released fresh weather warnings for snow and rain across the UK, just moments before announcing it had named a new storm as Chandra. Running for 17 hours, the yellow weather warnings encompass vast areas of Scotland and northern England.
The rain and snow warnings begin at midnight on January 27 and will stay in force until 5pm on Tuesday. Rainfall of up to 50mm is anticipated in some locations, while parts of the southern Pennines and southwest Scotland could experience accumulations of 20mm within a three-hour window. The weather agency cautions that there “will be a sharp increase in snow depths with elevation” with regions above 500m likely to witness 20cm of snow.
There are 67 flood warnings in place in England, and a further two in Scotland. The majority of these are for waterways across the Southwest of England, including several across the Dorset National Landscape and a handful across Devon.
The Met Office website reads: “Storm Chandra will bring persistent rain, heavy at times, later Monday and overnight before steadily clearing northeastwards on Tuesday morning. 30-50 mm rainfall is likely widely, with 60-80 mm across some higher ground, especially south Dartmoor. Falling on saturated ground, this is likely to lead to flooding and disruption, particularly on Tuesday morning. Strong southeasterly winds are also expected.”
READ MORE: Storm Chandra flooding map shows dozens of areas where there is ‘danger to life’
The forecaster is warning that drifting is possible in rather brisk southeasterly winds. Powerful, gusty winds, particularly to the west of hills, may worsen the likelihood of transport disruption, reports the Express. With these conditions approaching, specialists at Motors.co.uk have advised drivers to do one thing: “Always fill up with a full tank of fuel before heading on a long journey. Being stuck on the side of the motorway in zero-degree conditions isn’t ideal”.
This could also help you save some money at the garage. Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis has previously also told drivers to get petrol when it’s cold.
This occurs because temperatures drop overnight, and since fuel pumps measure by volume, filling up during cooler periods means you receive marginally more fuel for your money. The RAC’s winter driving guidance emphasises the importance of being prepared for any scenario by ensuring your vehicle contains a demisting pad and a torch (ideally wind-up to avoid battery concerns).
They also suggest carrying a hi-vis vest for visibility should you break down, a blanket for warmth, food supplies, drinks, spare screenwash, de-icer, an ice scraper, blanket, and a shovel. The recommended kit also includes a phone charger, a map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, jump leads, a spade and a piece of carpet which can be placed beneath your drive wheels if you become stuck in snow.
