UK households warned to stockpile nine pantry essentials before Storm Eowyn

UK households have been warned to stock up on nine pantry essentials before Storm Eowyn. All schools in Northern Ireland have been advised to close on Friday amid a rare red warning for wind issued for Storm Éowyn, Stormont’s education minister, Paul Givan, said.

Forecasters said there could also be power cuts, very dangerous driving conditions because of fallen trees, roofs blown off and power lines down. Roads, bridges and railway lines are likely to be closed and travel disruption is predicted.

Direct Energy warned: "After heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions, you could find yourself snowed in for days. Getting cut off from your local grocery store could be made worse by a prolonged power outage, which would leave you with just a few hours to enjoy the remaining contents of your fridge safely.

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"But if you stock your pantry with filling shelf-stable foods, you won't go hungry while waiting for the snow to be cleared. Here are some of the most important snowstorm essentials to purchase well in advance of an impending storm."

It listed bottled water, canned goods, cereal, jarred food, dried pasta, wax-sealed hard cheeses, salted butter, which lasts longer at room temperature than unsalted butter, hot drinks and toilet paper. It added: "No gas stove? No problem! If you have an outdoor grill, get necessities like charcoal, matches, newspapers and lighter fluid.

"If you have a gas grill, get a full propane tank. You can also use a camping stove if you have a supply of the appropriate fuel. A tea kettle and French press will come in handy to make your morning coffee by the heat of the fire.

"If you have an emergency backup generator, you’ll want to top off your fuel supply and replace old fuel that may be stale. Ensure the generator is up to date for maintenance with oil changes, filters and spark plugs, and ensure that any extension cords you’re using are undamaged and rated for generator use. If you want to run your generator through your main electrical panel but haven’t had an electrician install a transfer switch, get this service done before you have a blizzard bearing down."