Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Storm Goretti will be a multi-hazard event, with the most significant impacts from snow in parts of Wales and the Midlands, though rain and strong winds also have the potential to bring disruption to many. Goretti will bring snow on its northern edge, this most likely over Wales and the Midlands. Here accumulations of 5-10 cm are likely widely, with 15-25 cm in some places, especially hills, and perhaps up to 30 cm very locally.
« An Amber warning has been issued where the greatest risk of disruption is likely on Thursday night into Friday morning, though updates may be required as confidence increases in the exact track of Storm Goretti.”
Amber warnings mean there is an « increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans », the national weather service explains. « This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. »
Warnings have been issued for all four UK nations as Britons face brutal weather conditions. Many, including in the North will have woken up to frost and snow, forcing commuters to spend additional time de-icing their windscreens.
There are various ways to demist your car, including one low-effort hack, Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options says.
Mr Thompson explained that many drivers « rely on blunt scrapers or de-icing sprays to clear their cars on frosty mornings, but there’s a surprisingly simple alternative which saves you from standing out in the cold on frosty winter mornings ».
« If drivers know that colder temperatures are forecast, parking your car facing east in the morning sun is a great trick to help naturally defrost your windscreen and melt frost, saving you time.”
“However, if possible, you should avoid parking east in the summer, facing east can mean that your steering wheel and cabin get hotter earlier, for summer heat, facing away from the sun or using a sunshade is better,” he added.
However, it’s important to check the rules for your street to ensure you’re not falling foul of the Highway Code.
Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, previously warned: “Rule 248 of the Highway Code states you must not park on a road at night facing against the direction of traffic flow unless you’re in a recognised parking space.
The expert explained that this rule is in place because your car’s rear reflectors « won’t catch the headlights of oncoming vehicles, making you nearly invisible to other drivers in the dark, a recipe for disaster on winter mornings when visibility is already poor ».
Doing so can incur a hefty fine. He advises investing in an ice scraper or de-icer instead, or better yet, a car cover to protect it overnight.
« Those few extra minutes spent defrosting properly could save you a four-figure fine and potentially prevent a serious collision.”
You can find the latest weather warnings and guidance on the Met Office website.
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