Ayesha Faisal Historical Study England 2009

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.

School closures
The dramatic change in the weather has meant that a number of areas are experiencing transport
problems. This means that many schools across the country have been closed.

County Closed This table shows the number of schools reported closed. It is
interesting to note that although the snow was no heavier in the
South East South East of England, one of the eastern counties has reported more
Essex 250+ than 250 of its schools are closed.
Hertfordshire 100+
Middlesex 80+ This gave the children lots time to play in the snow, snowballing,
Sussex 50+ making snowmen and snow angels. The snow gave an added
dimension, producing some very picturesque scenes, many captured
North
on camera.
Greater Manchester 100
Lancashire 70 The United States government offered lots of advice about preparing
Cumbria 34 for lots of snow. This advice and more details can be found in
Durham 70 community centres or on their website at
Northumberland 33 http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather. There are a number of free
Yorkshire 1 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:
 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.
Temperatures recorded at one weather station in Ross-on-Wye during the week read:

Maximum Minimum

2nd Feb 3 -1

Saved on 4/9/2024 at 5:39:46 PM Page 1 of 2

/conversion/tmp/activity_task_scratch/747817018.docx
Ayesha Faisal Historical Study England 2009

3rd Feb 5 -3
4th Feb 5 -3
5th Feb 2 -1
6th Feb 2 -1

7th Feb 5 -3
8th Feb 4 -2

Saved on 4/9/2024 at 5:39:46 PM Page 2 of 2

/conversion/tmp/activity_task_scratch/747817018.docx