Drivers urged to put 6 items in car before Polar Vortex snow

Drivers urged to put 6 items in car before Polar Vortex snow Drivers are being urged to stash six key items in their car as soon as possible as the risk of a Polar Vortex snowstorm escalates. 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 11:11, Mon, Nov 9, 2026 Updated: 11:12, Mon, Nov 9, 2026 Drivers are being urged to put certain items in their car boot now (Image: Getty) Drivers are being urged to prepare for the possibility of Polar Vortex-induced snowstorms this winter after the Met Office warned that the risk of an earliest-ever disturbance to the Arctic air in the North Pole could bring a big freeze to the UK as soon as this month.

In its latest weather blog , the forecaster 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."

When this happens, this freezing air is pushed towards the UK and Europe, bringing the possibility of colder weather, fog, frost and even snow, though like any weather forecasting, it's never guaranteed. Get motoring news and advice plus selected offers and competitions 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 . AA explains when to use fog lights as Met Office issues fog warning Polar Vortex snow power cuts could trigger Black Sky event plan for UK As part of its advice on driving in cold weather linked to its forecasts, information from breakdown experts at the RAC urges people to put at least six key items in their car to help deal with the snow.

As well as filling up with fuel, these key items could be a literal life-saver if you find yourself stranded. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT It urged drivers to pack in their car: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 1. Warm, high vis clothes and blankets “It's sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown - a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves. If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it's crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life.” 2.

Jump leads “Flat or dead batteries can happen to any car regardless of age and at any time, but in cold weather such problems are far more likely to occur. “Always have a set of jump start cables or jump leads in the car.” 3. Empty fuel can “In an ideal world you would plan your journey to include fuel stops but sometimes things don’t go to plan. If you find yourself without fuel, it’s essential to have an empty fuel can available.” 4.

Food and drink "The prospect of being abandoned at the roadside for hours in poor weather conditions is a gloomy one - if you're hungry it can feel far worse. "If you have children in the car, it's doubly worse! "Food and drink are essential additions to any winter breakdown kit, especially on longer journeys." 5. Shovel “Unless the weather is very snowy you shouldn’t usually find deep snow on treated roads, but if you’re driving on smaller roads or there is a snowstorm or blizzard you may be surprised.

With a shovel you can dig yourself out.” 6. Torch “A phone light won’t really give you visibility if you’re stuck by the side of country road in winter. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which doesn't require battery power is essential for your vehicle.” Snow Met Office Travel advice weather warnings Winter driving advice Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments