The 'Beast from the East' 2018

Case study of 2018's 'Beast from the East', with causes and impacts of the extreme weather

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The 'Beast from the East' 2018

Causes

  • Jet stream normally brings maritime air (temperate, wet) over the UK but a sudden bend in the stream led to cold air from the east (continent) prevailing
  • The cold air picked up moisture from the North Sea and the precipitation was snow, which fell mostly in the east of the UK
  • The depression Storm Emma then came from the south-east and caused more snow as it hit the extremely cold air over the UK - this caused sever snow in the south-west (Cornwall, Wales)

Effects

  • PRIMARY
  • As much as 50cm of snow settled in areas such as Dartmoor and Exmoor
  • Some rural areas experienced lows of -12 degrees Celsius
  • The extreme cold led to the snow remaining, and strong winds of 60-70mph caused snow drifts as high as 7m
  • Many coastal areas issued with flood warnings as well
  • SECONDARY
  • Thousands of schools and shops were forced to close for several days due to the harsh conditions
  • British Airways cancelled a huge number of short-haul flights from airports like Heathrow
  • Road accidents and closures led to congestion and some drivers remained waiting for over 12 hours e.g A31
  • Road traffic accidents - the AA estimated there were over 8000 collisions, including major incidents on the A1 Northumberland
  • Some rural towns and villages cut off for days - unable to access food etc

Overall summary

MANAGEMENT & RESPONSES- Snow ploughs and gritters sent out to improve the roads, and warnings issued advising people not to leave their houses unless in an emergency- Public Health England urged people to plan ahead and stock up on food- Rail stations and networks closed and warned people not to use the facilities- Stranded drivers were provided with foil blankets, food and drinks by volunteers

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