Brits have been told to “prepare” for possible blackouts by the Energy Networks Association which comes after warnings have been issued that Europe is facing a gas shortage amid the war in Ukraine.

Millions of households must brace themselves just in case the lights do go out and the Arctic blast is bringing sub-zero temperatures with freezing fog, ice and heavy snow to parts of the UK.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for London and the south east to expect heavy snow and ice for Sunday and Monday.

Forecasters are warning to be prepared to expect the Arctic weather to last for “at least a week” as the mercury will fall to at least -10C.

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Met Office issues weather warning for snow and ice with temperatures set to stay as low as -10C

Southern England could be hit with snow within days as temperatures plummet to minus 10C and could ‘continue even longer’

Met Office warns the mercury will fall ‘to as low as -10C’ with a ‘risk of snow at times’ across the UK

Many flights cancelled and freezing fog, sleet and snow could disrupt travel for ‘at least a week’ as conditions remain treacherous

The Energy Networks Association have warned Brits to “prepare, care and share,” should there be a blackout and keep all power banks full along with mobile phones.

Ross Easton, from the group, said, “Prepare by making a personal power cut plan, care by checking in with friends and family who might need extra help, and share this information so others can make a plan.”

National Grid have drawn up contingency plans where by they will pay people not to use certain appliances during peak times, but a spokesman did also downplay any imminent threat.

Grahame Madge, of the Met Office, said, “The outlook remains cold for at least the next seven days, with the potential for this to continue longer.

“At the moment the air mass feeding the cold conditions is coming from a northerly direction, even with an Arctic influence.

“However, this mass is also relatively drier, so most of the precipitation is in the form of showers. This has the benefit of bringing quite clear and bright conditions by day for many.”

Madge then warned of freezing fog in the South, he added, “Overnight temperatures are likely to dip widely below zero, with some more sheltered spots dropping to -10C.”