The United Kingdom faced a blast of cold weather that included overnight frosts, freezing fog patches, and snowfall in various regions. Scotland experienced severe snowfall and temperatures that dropped to a bone-chilling -12°C.
The adverse conditions resulted in serious consequences, including reports of drivers in Cumbria being stranded in a 19-hour traffic jam without access to food or water. Additionally, approximately 2,500 locals are without power.
From 5 p.m. on Sunday to noon on Monday, the Met Office is issuing a yellow weather warning for ice across the East Midlands, West Midlands, north of England, and parts of north and central Wales. The forecast anticipates further snowfall, worsening the hazardous conditions.
Cold Temperatures to Persist
These chilly temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday and Wednesday, with intermittent periods of sunshine, per The Standard. Looking ahead to Thursday, an approaching low-pressure system from the South West could meet colder air, leading to anticipated showers across southern England and Wales.
Simultaneously, the UK Health Security Agency has raised an amber health alert for cold weather, effective until December 5, as per the BBC. This alert covers five central and northern regions in England, while a yellow warning applies to four other regions. The agency underscores the prolonged impact of the cold weather on the health service, posing a potential risk to the entire population.
Protect You Pipes
As the nation grapples with this winter onslaught, millions of Brits navigating the ongoing cost-of-living crisis are making efforts to minimize heating bills.
However, a cautionary note has been issued regarding a common mistake that could result in households incurring significant expenses during the festive period.
The dropping temperatures significantly elevate the risk of water pipes freezing and bursting, as six percent of Brits have already experienced property damage due to this issue, according to Aviva.
Hazel Johnson, director of home and motor claims at Aviva, emphasizes the seriousness of frozen and burst pipes, noting that even one burst pipe can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Johnson advises that preparing pipes ahead of cold snaps is vital for protecting property, as reported by LAD Bible.
To prevent pipes from bursting, homeowners are advised to take several precautions. Firstly, keeping the heating on for a few hours a day and maintaining a temperature of around 13°C can help prevent freezing.
Investing in insulation, available for as low as 99p for one-meter-long rolls from local DIY stores, provides added protection in the loft or garage.
Addressing existing leaks can prevent costly replacements, with immediate repair recommended for dripping taps to avert potential expenses of around £130 ($165).
When going on holiday, turning off the water supply is advised to prevent potential issues, and if pipes have already frozen, turning off the stop tap (stopcock) is essential.
In the face of the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, a proactive approach to safeguarding homes becomes imperative to avoid potentially costly damages.
