Brits are being urged by a campaign group to prepare emergency kits with three items ahead of Tuesday, January 27. The warning comes as stormy conditions are set to hit many areas of the country. Storm Chandra is set to bring snow, rain and heavy winds to the UK when it arrives early this week, with flooding and travel disruptions likely in parts of the country. In fact, the Met Office has issued an amber alert for heavy downpours in southwest England on Monday and Tuesday.

A total of 30 to 50mm of rainfall could hit the region, which would be even more (60 to 80mm) on higher ground. As a result, London, the South East and the South West have been issued a yellow weather warning. The storm has already arrived in several parts of the country, but forecasters say it will intensify on Tuesday. Northern Ireland is one of the worst-hit areas, and it has been issued an amber alert for Tuesday. Amid the weather warning, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has urged British households to take certain safety precautions.

Among these precautions is the preparation of emergency kits. This, the RoSPA says, should be taken to reduce the risk of injury and disruption.

“Storm Chandra is expected to bring hazardous conditions that significantly increase the risk of injuries, particularly from falls, flying debris and dangerous driving conditions,” said Rebecca Guy, Senior Policy Manager at RoSPA. “Taking simple precautions now – such as avoiding unnecessary travel, securing loose items and staying informed – can make a real difference in keeping people safe.”

The RoSPA is advising people to “prepare a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries and non‑perishable food”. Additionally, the organisation says that households should keep mobile phones and other devices fully charged in case of power cuts.

Meanwhile, Brits are also being told to ensure windows and doors are securely shut during periods of strong winds and rain, and to secure outdoor items such as bins, signage and garden furniture to prevent damage or injury.

Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen revealed: “Initially strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here,” he said.

“Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. As Chandra interacts with colder air further north snow becomes a hazard, with 10 to 20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands.”

Meanwhile, RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Nick Mullender said: “Flooding is highly likely, making many roads dangerous. Our message to drivers is simple: do not drive through standing water unless you are completely certain the water is shallow enough and it’s safe to do so.

“In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and stay alert. Wet roads can double stopping distances, so taking a cautious, steady approach and allowing extra time to react is essential.

“And if your vehicle already has known faults, now is not the time to take risks. Avoid unnecessary journeys and get issues fixed promptly by a trusted mobile mechanic or local garage.”