Namya Dani Historical Study England 2009

Winter wonderland or woe?

Winter 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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Namya Dani Historical Study England 2009
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
South East although the snow is no heavier in the South
East of England, one of the eastern counties
Essex 250+
has reported more than 250 of its schools
Hertfordshire 100+ are closed.
Middlesex 80+
This gave the children lots time to play in the
Sussex 50+
snow, snowballing, making snowmen and
North
Greater Manchester
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Lancashire 70
Cumbria 34
Durham 70
Northumberland 33
Yorkshire 1
Namya Dani Historical Study England 2009
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 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 six 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.
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Namya Dani Historical Study England 2009
 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:

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Namya Dani Historical Study England 2009
Maximum Minimum
2nd Feb 3 -1
3rd Feb 5 -3
4th Feb 5 -3
5th Feb 2 -1
6th Feb 2 -1
7th Feb 5 -3
8th Feb 4 -2

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