We have had quite exceptional snowfall over the last few days. It is almost unheard of for this part of the country to get more than a flurry or two in December, but this started in November and has all but buried us. There is utter chaos and the enquiries into the poor response by the authorities and rail operators has already begun.
The snow was caused by “lake effect” – very cold air from Siberia is warmed just enough while travelling across the North Sea and Thames Estuary to suck up moisture and begin convection, which soon dumps lots of snow into already freezing air.
We are hoping that it has stopped for now and there is a chance of a thaw on Saturday before cold temperatures again on Sunday.