P1 SECTION A Challenges of Natural Hazards - UNITED KINGDOM

Question 1

BEAST FROM THE EAST: BACKGROUND/LOCATION

Answer 1

• February 24th 2018
• Storm Emma (weather system) from Azores travelling north to UK
• 1st March: front brought blizzards and gales…
  
  • …As it hit cold air brought by BFTE
  • BFTE caused by stratospheric warming in Arctic disturbing jet stream

Question 2

BEAST FROM THE EAST: IMPACTS (SOCIAL)

Answer 2

• 10 deaths
• 100s schools closed
• Drivers on M80 stuck for 13 hours
• Food shortages in supermarkets

Question 3

BEAST FROM THE EAST: IMPACTS (ECONOMIC)

Answer 3

• Cost UK economy £! billion/day
• British Airways cancelled 100s of flights
• People couldn’t work (lack of productivity)

Question 4

BEAST FROM THE EAST: IMPACTS (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Answer 4

• 50 cms of snow fell on high ground
• Drifting snow isolated several villages
• Temperatures dropped below -12°C

Question 5

BEAST FROM THE EAST: RESPONSES

Answer 5

• Emergency services rescued people
• Third red weather warning in only seven yrs
• Military provided support rescuing vehicles
• Soldiers helped 200 NHS staff get to and from hospital
• RAF drafted to help relief efforts in Lincolnshire (snow blocked roads)