British Gas warns households to stock up on five common items as snowstorm looms over Britain

As the UK braces for a period of snowfall, British Gas has issued a warning to households to stockpile five essential items. The Met Office has flagged yellow weather warnings from Monday, November 18 until Wednesday, November 20 indicating that snowfall could blanket the nation as the new week unfolds.

British Gas advises: "Torches, spare batteries and a back-up charger for mobile phones are all handy. You might even consider a battery-powered radio, to keep on top of local updates if you can't use your mobile. And keep a cupboard stocked with essential foods that you can prepare without electricity."

The energy provider also recommends safeguarding appliances from potential power surges by turning them off at the socket until normal service resumes, suggesting to leave one main light on to indicate when power is restored. The Met Office cautions that power cuts may affect the Midlands and Derbyshire, northern England, Scotland, Yorkshire, and parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Looking further ahead, the forecast for November 22 into December suggests: "Cold or very cold conditions are expected across most if not all parts of the UK early in this period, with wintry showers affecting in particular northern parts and exposed coastal districts, although it may well be largely sunny."

"Into the weekend likely turning to more wet and windy conditions with some snowfall on the leading edge of this. Into the following week possibly cooler again though wintry conditions mostly limited to northern hills with a potential for more organised areas of rain, snow and strong winds at times, this probably also associated with milder temperatures, at least in the south," reports Birmingham Live.

"Later in the period, conditions remain uncertain, but some indications for a further more settled spell around the turn of the month."