Britain has ended the month we harsh winds and ice cold rain. Most were aware of Storm Doris and Ewan but many of us ignored the risk and mocked the names,these storms, however, were far from funny.
First was Storm Doris, arriving on the 23rd of February, bringing with it terrifying winds that reaching dangerous speeds of 92mph. The north and a wide strip of England were the worst hit. 12 amber weather warning for wind and snow were released along with a prediction of 12-inch snow. This 'weather bomb' of a storm showed rapid fall in the central pressure of a storm. The central pressure fell from 24 millibars in 24 hours, this is also known as explosive cyclogenesis. Jet streams high in the atmosphere lead to the steep acceleration of air which can eventually lead to the pressure to all at sea level. This then sucks air and increases the speed of circulation. Another way to picture this is by thinking about how an ice skater spins faster when their arms are to their chest. These fast winds are strong enough to destroy trees and cause damage to building and structures.
This storm did more than destroy our material goods, many have been injured and some have even died. A man in his 40's was blown unconscious by a glazed tile that had been ripped, by 62mph winds, from the entrance to the Victoria tube station. He had serious head injuries and was immediately rushed to a hospital. In another incidence, high winds toppled a tree onto a car which gave an 80-year-old terrible injuries, he tragically passed away. These are only some of the devastating results from the storm.
Britain had little time to recover from the chaos and almost spontaneously we were informed of part 2: Storm Ewan. The nation was in brace position as we got prepared for another round of 70mph winds. The winds, this time, weren't alone but accompanied with below zero temperatures and plenty of snowstorms. These arctic temperatures were caused by winds from the high north that brought thunder and hail to the heart of Britain. Yellow weather warnings have been issued, weather forecasts urge people to be aware and keep safe. If we are lucky the storm should dissipate by by the 29th of February. More rain will fall as we enter spring, in quite the ironic way.
By Shneeza Gill
