Beast from the east, UK Flashcards
What caused the beast from the east?
A change to the northern polar jet stream, which twisted its direction unexpectedly, drawing in cold air to the UK. This bending caused by a jump in temperatures high over the arctic, known as stratospheric working. This unexpected warming weakened the jet stream that brings in warm air in from the atlantic to Ireland and Britain
What were the social impacts?
A man died in London after being pulled from a frozen lake + 3 other deaths
thousands of schools were closed
many lorries jackknifed or crash
major accidents on the A1 in Northumberland
Scottish premier postponed games
What were the economic impacts?
British airways cancelled hundreds of flights
shelves were being stripped of bread, milk and soup
AA insurance cost £10 million die to 8260 collisions
harrogate hospital had to hire staff to cover
What were the environmental impacts?
Up to 50cm of snow
gusts of 60-70 MPH winds
temperature lows of -12
snow drifts were as high as 7m in certain places
What were the management strategies used?
Stranded drivers were given foil blankets
council sent out gritters
the met office issued red warning
