Aygün 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
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Aygün Historical Study England 2009
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 meant that many schools across the country have been closed.
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This table shows the number of schools reported
Country Closed closed. It is interesting to note that although the
snow is no heavier in the South East of England,
South East one of the eastern counties has reported more than
Essex 250+ 250 of its schools are closed.
Hertfordshire 100+
Middlesex 80+ This gave the children lots time to play in the snow,
Sussex 50+ snowballing, making snowmen and snow angels.
North
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Greater Manchester 100 [Link]
Lancashire 70
Cumbria 34
Durham 70
Northumberland 33
Yorkshire 1
Aygün Historical Study England 2009
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
[Link] 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
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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.
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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
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3rd Feb [Link] -3
5
4th Feb 5 -3
5th Feb 2 -1
6th Feb 2 -1
7th
Feb 5 -3
8th Feb 4 -2