Search icon

News

01st Mar 2018

RAF called in as Storm Emma and Beast from the East cripple Britain’s transport links

James Dawson

Red weather warnings have been issued in England, Wales and Scotland.

Members of the RAF have been called in to assist emergency services, as the Beast from the East and Storm Emma cause widespread disruption across Britain.

Posting a picture of one serviceman in a 4×4 vehicle, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue services tweeted: “This kind chap was able to get through the snow & help one of our 999 control room colleagues get in today, helping to protect the county.”

It has been reported that the RAF has been deployed elsewhere in the country to help hospitals and vulnerable people.

It comes after a red weather warning was issued to southwest England, meaning that areas of England, Scotland and Wales are now all subject to the highest level of Met Office alert.

It stated: “A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions were expected.

“The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting. Some places could also see significant ice build up due to freezing rain from later on Thursday evening, most likely in the south of the area.

“Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers. Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice.”

From 3pm today, Britain is set to experience the worst blizzards since 1962 today, with the public warned to only travel if it’s essential, and vulnerable and elderly people told to stay indoors.