The Met Office has issued a seven-hour warning to UK households who need to “stay indoors”. A fresh warning issued on Wednesday affect areas within North West England, South West England and Wales and are in place between 3am and 12pm on Thursday, January 9.
The warning for Wales extends into North West England, affecting Liverpool, Chester, and Warrington. The warning for South West England includes much of Cornwall. Warning UK households over being “cut off”, the Met Office advised: “Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature, both during the day and at night.
“Turn off electrical heaters and put out your fire before going to bed to avoid fire risk. Don’t forget your pets. Create a place where they can be comfortable in severe winter weather. Prevent frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
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“Stay indoors wearing layers of loose fitting lightweight warm clothing rather than bulky clothing. Never use a hob or oven to heat your home, they can increase carbon monoxide levels.” Showers, mostly of rain and sleet at low levels and near coasts, but of snow inland and over higher ground, are expected to affect the area later Wednesday night and on Thursday morning.
With many surfaces below freezing, this will lead to some icy stretches on untreated surfaces, while a few cm of fresh snow could affect some areas, mainly places above about 100 metres. The Met Office said: “Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.
“Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.” The warning from the forecasters went on to add in its advice and guidance to those at risk: “Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.”