UK under yellow warning as extreme weather to hit with floods and ice, here’s how to prepare

The UK can expect some 'unsettled weather' as recent forecasts show how the jet stream is carrying cold air across the Atlantic ocean to our shores this week. The Met Office footage depicts how low-pressure systems are heading our way and are expected to cause ice, heavy rain and potential flooding over the New Year Weekend, as per Sky News.

The Met Office tweeted:

The UK is set for an unsettled period leading to New Year's. This is partly related to the cold air that has been spreading across North America, helping to strengthen the jet stream and push low-pressure systems across the Atlantic

Deadly storm

The news comes as the US continues to endure one of its deadliest storms for decades, with at least 34 people killed as temperatures reach record lows. It is thought that at least 57 Americans were also reported to be trapped in their cars in New York State, with Buffalo being the worst hit.

New York Governor, Kathy Hochul commented on the situation, as per The Mirror:

This is a war with mother nature, and she has been hitting us with everything she has. It is like going to a war zone, and the vehicles along the sides of the roads are shocking.

In the UK, a yellow rain warning has been put in place in parts of southwest England and South Wales from 2 am on Tuesday, December 27 until 3 pm on Wednesday, December 28. Also across northern Scotland, a yellow ice warning has been put in place until 10 am Wednesday, December 28. The Environment Agency has also issued 34 flood alerts and advised people to stay updated with its warnings.

10 ways to prepare

Here are 10 steps you can take to prepare for the freezing cold weather over the winter, as per The Met Office:

• Take the worry out of winter storms - Consider a separate battery charger for devices in case of a power cut, and store key information such as the power cut helpline number (105) on your phone.
• Check your heating - Ideally your home should be heated to at least 18°C
• Weatherproof your home and garden - Trees or branches can come down, cast iron guttering could be lethal and so can roof slates.
• Plumbing checks can save money - Insulating pipes has two benefits – you’ll keep the heat in, saving you money, but it also means reduced risk of frozen pipes
• Have basic supplies to hand - It's worth putting together a 'grab bag', with bottled water, medicines, a torch, radio and batteries, copies of important documents and a change of clothes.
• Make alternative plans - Think about alternative routes to work and also alternative childcare options if schools or nurseries are closed.
• Check your vehicle is winter ready - take a quick check of your tyres. Use a screen wash additive to keep your windscreen free of winter road grime caused by road salting and gritting.
• Think of vulnerable neighbours - It's nice to be neighbourly and human contact with others can have really positive effects on everyone.
• Get your flu jab
• Prepare yourself and your community for severe weather - Get involved in community emergency preparedness groups.

Sources used:

- The Mirror 'Freezing jet stream from snow-covered US to blast towards Britain in just days''

- Sky News 'Ice, heavy rain and potential flooding for parts of UK as warning issued for disrupted power supplies'

- The MetOffice '10 things you should do now to prepare for winter'