ZDA Historical Study

Winter wonderland or woe?

Winter Weather Forces schools to close
On Monday February 2nd 2009 the South East of England was hit by snow. I know this is not
unusual in many parts of the world, but it was interesting to watch the whole region grind to a
virtual standstill. At the time of writing this article the major London airports of Heathrow,
Gatwick and London City were all closed. Stansted airport had been closed but has just had
one runway reopened. Travel chaos has ensued, the M25 is closed in many places and many
schools throughout the country have been closed.

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School Closures
The dramatic change in the weather has meant that a number of areas are experiencing
transport problems. This means that many
Country Closed schools across the country have been closed.
South East
Essex 250+
Hertfordshire 100+ This table shows the number of schools
Middlesex 80+ reported closed. It is interesting to note that
Sussex 50+ although the snow is no heavier in the South
East of England, one of the eastern counties
North has reported more than 250 of its schools are
Greater 100 closed.
Manchester
Lancashire 70
Cumbria
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70
Northumberland 33
Yorkshire 1
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This gave the children lots time to play in the snow, snowballing, making snowmen and
snow angels. The snow gave an added dimension, producing some very picturesque
scenes, many captured on camera.

The United States government offered lots of advice about preparing for lots of snow.
This advice and more details can be found in community centres or on their website at
http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather. There are a number of free publications that can be
ordered from their website and are free for US citizens. These are sent within 6 weeks on
being ordered, or can be downloaded direct from their website. The United Kingdom
government did not offer similar advice to its citizens. The advice from the United States
is to prepare for a winter storm by doing the following:

1. Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

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 Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on
walkways.
 Sand to improve traction.
 Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
 Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and
regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry,
seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
 Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
2. Make a Family Communications Plan. Minimize travel. If travel is necessary,
keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

3. Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals
or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

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Temperatures recorded at one weather station in Ross-on-Wye during the week read:

Maximum Minimum

2nd Feb 3 -1
3rd Feb 5 -3
4th Feb 5 -3
5 Feb
th
2 -1
6th Feb 2 -1
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7th Feb 5 -3
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8th Feb 4 -2