The weather has been named as the ‘beast from the east’ due to the polar continental air mass bringing extremely cold air to the UK from Russia Conditions were made worse by storm Emma (a depression), bringing lots of warmer moist air from the south-west. As these two air masses met, the warmer air was forced to rise. As this happens, precipitation fell in the form of snow. Low temperatures allowed the snow to linger for several days and caused the added risk of ice on roads, even those that had been gritted. 15-20cm of snow fell over the course of three days.Some places experienced temperatures as low as -15°C. Storm Emma brought winds in excess of 70mph.
Social impacts
10 people killed and thousands of homes were left without power.
Over 1000 schools across the country closed for up to 3 days. All secondary schools in Harrogate, including Rossett School were closed for 2 days.
The NHS cancelled non-urgent operations and clinics, affecting people's access to healthcare.
Hundreds stranded on roads and motorways e.g. up to 36hrs on the M80.
Economic impacts
Cost the UK economy at least £1 billion per day, due to closed businesses and commuters unable to get to work.
Cadburys were forced to stop chocolate production at their Bourneville site, due to water shortages caused by burst water mains after the cold weather.
Airports closed and flights cancelled, impacting on tourism and trade.
Environmental impacts
The cold weather reduced the insect population, causing food shortages for birds & wildlife. It also affected nesting of birds such as robins & blackbirds.
Crop yields and growing seasons were affected e.g. asparagus and potatoes.
The sea froze in places and High Force (waterfall) froze for the first time since 1929.
How the event was managed to reduce risk
Met office issues ‘Red’ weather warning to stop people from travelling.
4000 gritters and snow ploughs went out in force to clear snow and roads.
Some inbound flights to Leeds Bradford were diverted to Liverpool Airport.
Armed forces were deployed to rescue drivers and drive NHS workers to work. For example, troops in Edinburgh transported 200 critical care hospital workers to their shifts at two hospitals in Edinburgh.
Community centers open for homeless people to shelter from the conditions.
Government and National Grid asked businesses to reduce gas usage, issuing a 'gas deficit' warning.
Red Cross issued blankets/camp beds to people stranded at Glasgow Airport.