The Met Office has issued an urgent plea for households in six specific parts of the UK to assemble an emergency kit containing three crucial items. This warning comes ahead of a predicted severe snow storm set to hit on Tuesday, 6th January 2026.
Regions Under Amber Weather Warning
An official amber weather warning has been activated for Tuesday, covering six local authority areas in Scotland. The affected regions are Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Highland. Residents in these locations are being advised to take immediate preparatory steps.
The national weather service emphasised the importance of being ready for potential power disruptions. "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance," a Met Office statement read. "It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items."
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
Aligning with the Met Office guidance, British Gas has provided detailed advice on what households should stockpile. The core recommendation is to have at least three days' worth of supplies readily accessible.
On its website, the energy firm advises storing the following in an easy-to-reach part of the home:
- Non-perishable food and snacks.
- At least three days' supply of drinking water.
- Essential medications.
- Extra blankets or sleeping bags.
- A torch with spare batteries.
- A phone charger or power bank.
"While it’s unlikely that a heavy snowfall will leave you without any heating, it's always worth keeping sleeping bags, blankets and warm coats handy," the British Gas advice adds.
Critical Safety Advice for Isolated Households
Within its amber alert, the Met Office has outlined vital steps for those who may become isolated due to heavy snow. Key instructions include:
Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during both day and night to maintain a consistent heat level. Always turn off portable electrical heaters and ensure any open fire is fully extinguished before going to bed.
To prevent the costly and damaging risk of frozen pipes, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. British Gas also strongly recommends all residents locate their main water stopcock, which is typically found under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard on an exterior wall.
Other crucial tips are to stay indoors where possible, wrap up warm, and close internal doors to retain heat. Pet owners are reminded to ensure their animals are kept warm and comfortable.
For those in need of support, the Met Office directs people to contact the British Red Cross Support Line on 0808 196 3651. By taking these preparatory measures now, residents in the warned areas can significantly increase their safety and comfort during the impending severe weather.
