Polar Vortex snow power cuts could trigger Black Sky event plan for UK

Polar Vortex snow power cuts could trigger Black Sky event plan for UK A big freeze could smash the UK and if it leads to power cuts this plan could be enacted. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Alex Evans , Deputy Audience Editor 09:43, Mon, Nov 9, 2026 Updated: 09:48, Mon, Nov 9, 2026 UK government calls on households to be ready for emergencies The chances of a Polar Vortex snowstorm bringing freezing cold conditions and heavy snow to the UK this winter have become much more likely following the latest Met Office predictions of a barrage of Arctic air making its way from the North Pole to the UK.

The forecaster says that a Polar Vortex could break records this winter as being the earliest on record and at the same time key weather warnings for snow always stress the possibility of power cuts during blizzard conditions. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT And if the unthinkable happens and heavy snow does cause a power cut which turns into a national emergency, the government's Department of Health and Social Care has pre-written scripts of advice which would be delivered over a 'Black Sky event' radio station specifically set up to broadcast by the BBC if and when there is no power for days on end.

Those scripts include contingencies on the advice which will be given to households over this emergency radio station on how to deal with a long-lasting power cut during extremely cold weather such as a Polar Vortex situation. UK ‘Black Sky event’ plan tells households to drink water mixed with bleach A Black Sky event plan is in place (Image: Getty) In its latest weather blog published this week, the Met Office said: "The stratospheric polar vortex is already unusually stretched, with the disturbance associated with so-called "wave two" activity, when two large atmospheric waves push into it from opposite directions.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "This wave two activity is considerably stronger than average for the time of year. Forecasts suggest the vortex will subsequently become increasingly displaced from the North Pole." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT While it's an unlikely scenario, the government has revealed the extent of its emergency planning contingencies for if a snow storm created a full-on national power cut with no internet communications available.

The script to be handed to emergency radio presenters will say: "We have planned in case this extraordinary situation happened and this advice has been created by doctors and scientists to help keep you and your family healthy. "Some parts of the UK are currently experiencing extremely cold weather. In this broadcast, I am going to provide you with information on how to stay safe during this time." It goes on: "During this time there are things you can do to keep warm.

For most people cold weather will be inconvenient but not dangerous, however cold weather can cause serious health problems for some groups. Babies, young children, pregnant women, older people and people who need care are at particular risk from cold weather. If you are in one of these groups or look after someone who is, you should pay particularly close attention to this advice." The advice the script gives includes: "You are advised to wear several thin layers of clothing and wrap up warm.

While you are sitting, keep your feet raised because air near the floor is colder. Get up and move around and stretch at least every hour. Get everyone in the house to gather in one room to share warmth. Put something like a towel or sheet under the doors of the rooms you are using to reduce draughts. Close your curtains and blinds when it gets dark to help keep the heat in. Use blankets or sheets to cover your windows if you don’t have curtains or blinds.

Close the windows and doors in rooms you are not using. "Becoming very cold can have serious effects on your health. Look out for the signs of hypothermia in people in your home. You are looking for shivering, cold and dry skin, skin and lips that are blue or grey (which may easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet of black or brown skin), slurred speech, slow breathing and appearing tired or confused." Among the advice on alternative sources of heating, it adds: "You may have some other ways of keeping warm.

Be very careful when using heating appliances that are not mains powered. If you have a portable gas heater that uses gas bottles and is approved for indoor use, make sure the room is well ventilated and follow all instructions carefully as the fumes can be dangerous. "If you have a generator, place it outdoors at least six metres or 20 feet away, with the exhaust facing away from windows or doors. "If you have a wood burner or other non-electric stove, make sure the room is well ventilated and follow all instructions carefully to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Never leave a fire, portable heating appliance or generator unattended and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. "Only use the recommended type of fuel for heating appliances. Do not burn old furniture, pallets or fence panels, household rubbish or fuels such as petrol, diesel or lighter fluid as this could cause an explosion, fire or release of harmful chemicals." Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family .

Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . UK households have been urged to stockpile (Image: Getty) The BBC has revealed it has ‘Black Sky event’ plans in place which dictates what the national broadcaster will do in case of a full-scale UK emergency in which communications including the internet are shut off for three days or more.

The emergency broadcasting service will have secure lines of communication which are not dependent on internet connections and will have enough water, food and fuel to allow it to operate for three days without any further supplies. The emergency radio will broadcast what households should do in that situation, including how much food and water people should be drinking and even what to do if water supplies are so disrupted that toilets won’t flush.

The plans being made public come as repeated calls are made by government officials, including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, for the UK to be more prepared for national emergencies such as power cuts, internet and phone blackouts and disruption to food, water or fuel supplies. Under the new Government campaign, households are being urged to be prepared if everyday services are temporarily disrupted with three days of key supplies. Households should stockpile at least three days of food and drinking water, according to government advice, and have a battery powered FM radio at home to receive emergency broadcasts.

Three days of drinking water is roughly three litres per day per person, according to the UK's Be Ready advice. The Government advice marks the first stage of a three-year campaign which aims to make households feel better prepared for disruptive events, such as severe weather, and comes in the wake of heatwaves, drought and fires that hit the UK during the summer. See more of the stories you love from Daily Express and find us easily in Google by making us a Preferred Source.

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