Beast from the East - UK

Question 1

extreme weather definition

Answer 1

when a weather event is significantly different from the average or usual weather pattern, and is especially severe or unseasonal

Question 2

when was the beast from the east

Answer 2

25th February 2018

Question 3

what caused the beast from the east

Answer 3

• a change to the northern polar jet stream
  -> it twisted its direction unexpectedly
• this bending caused a sudden stratospheric warming
  -> this weakened the jet stream that brings warm air in from the Atlantic to the UK
  -> this allowed cold air from the east
• the air picked. up moisture over the North Sea bringing snow

Question 4

primary effects of the beast from the east

Answer 4

• 4 deaths
• winds of 60-70mph in Northern England and Wales
• rural area temps of -12 degrees Celsius
  many coastlines issued with flood warnings

Question 5

secondary effects of the beast from the east

Answer 5

• a baby born on the A66 after parents failed to make it to hospital due to the snow
• multiple accidents on Britain’s roads
• many lorry crashes
• some hospitals had to cancel all outpatients and ask staff who can walk to go in and cover shifts
• hundreds of people trapped in vehicles for hours

Question 6

responses to the beast from the east

Answer 6

• army were called in to help people
• Met Office issued ‘red warnings’ for several areas
• sent out gritters and snow ploughs
• urged people to plan ahead to have enough food and medicine