AN interactive map reveals the areas at risk of power cuts after yellow and amber weather warnings were issued.
The Met Office is warning large parts of the UK will be hit with snow and icy conditions over the weekend.
[iframe src=”https%3A%2F%2Fdatawrapper.dwcdn.net%2FGDRia%2F1%2F” height=”774″ /] [iframe src=”https%3A%2F%2Fdatawrapper.dwcdn.net%2FqKzMc%2F1%2F” height=”460″ /]A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 12pm tomorrow until 9am on Monday covering most of England and Wales.
Meanwhile, a yellow weather warning will take effect at 4pm today and last until 10am tomorrow.
Separately, amber weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued in parts of Wales and central and northern England over the weekend.
The Met Office said motorists and commuters should expect travel delays while warning there was a “small chance” of power cuts in areas forecast to experience cold weather.
Our maps above highlight the regions under weather warnings this weekend, which could potentially experience power cuts.
The warnings from the Met Office come after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued cold weather health alerts for all of England.
The amber alerts were issued yesterday and run until January 8, with the government agency saying it means a rise in deaths is likely.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted temperatures can have a serious impact on the health of some people, including those aged 65 and over and those with pre-existing health conditions, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable.
“These people could be more at risk of heart attacks, stroke and chest infections as a result of cold temperatures.”
The cold weather conditions could see cold weather payments issued to households on benefits, too.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Week-long freeze and snow hits Britain TODAY as temperatures plunge to -8C with amber alerts for the WHOLE of England” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366644930112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]The £25 payments are made for each seven-day period where the temperature falls to zero degrees Celsius or below.
You can find out if your area is due one of the payments by visiting gov.uk/cold-weather-payment.
A spokesperson for the Energy Networks Association (ENA) said the UK’s energy networks had activated “weather response plans” and upped staff levels in contact centres and operational teams ahead of the weekend.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D101462%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]They added: “Despite these preparations, there is an increased risk of power cuts. ENA has shared practical steps to help customers stay prepared and safe.
“The energy networks’ Prepare-Care-Share advice for severe weather can make a significant difference in staying safe and comfortable during power cuts.”
The advice can be found via www.powercut105.com/en/be-winter-ready.
Bill help available this winter
There’s an abundance of help you can get paying your energy bills this winter if you’re struggling.
The Household Support Fund is one such way, with the fund’s latest round worth £421million in England.
The fund has been shared between local authorities who then have to distribute their share.
That means what help you can get depends on where you live, although you’ll usually qualify for help if you’re on a low income or benefits.
You might be in line for a direct cash payment or energy vouchers to cover your bills.
Contact your council to see if its fund is still open and whether you are eligible for any help.
You might also be able to get a grant from your energy firm if you’ve fallen behind on your bills as well.
British Gas and Octopus Energy both have schemes that offer to pay you grants you don’t have to pay back.
Other energy firms are handing out freebies like electric blankets and air fryers too, including Octopus Energy and EDF.