beast from the east

• Beast from the East meets Storm Emma


  February 28th to March 2nd 2018
• High pressure over Scandinavia and low pressure over southern Europe


  • Dragged in bitter easterly winds from Siberia
• Wind Chill of -22°C
• Wind speeds exceeding 70mph
• Primary effects


  Damage caused directly by the storm
• 15-20cm of snow fell over the course of three days
• 10 deaths were reported
• Snow drifts in excess of 7m in rural locations
• Temperatures fell as low as -12 degrees centigrade
• Waves battered coastlines across the country
• Secondary effects


  These result from the primary effects
• UK issued with a gas 'Deficit' warning
• NHS cancelled non-urgent operations and clinics
• Trains stranded on tracks overnight in Dorset
• Insurance costs due to car accidents estimated at £10 million
• Schools across the country closed for up to 3 days
• Flights and trains cancelled
• Supermarkets experienced panic buying
• Management strategies to reduce risk

  1. Help immediately during the storm

  2. Armed forces deployed to rescue drivers and drive NHS workers to work

  3. Greggs delivery driver hands out cakes to stranded drivers

  4. Community centres open for homeless people to shelter from the conditions

  5. Taxi firms offering to shop and fetch medicine/ supplies for elderly people

  6. Met office issues 'Red' weather warning to stop people from travelling

  7. Snow ploughs, gritters and tractors go out in force to clear snow and roads

  8. Government asks businesses to reduce gas usage over the coming days

  9. Red Cross issues blankets/camp beds to people stranded at Glasgow Airport

  10. Social media used to warn people