Thursday, March 28, 2024
Storm Nelson wreaks havoc across the United Kingdom with ferocious winds, heavy snow, disrupting travel, and forcing widespread closures and delays.
In a remarkable display of aeronautical skill amidst treacherous weather conditions, an easyJet flight experienced a tense moment when it had to abort its initial landing attempt at Gatwick Airport due to the severe impact of Storm Nelson. The flight, identified as EZY52FR originating from Faro, Portugal, encountered daunting torrential rains and fierce winds as it approached the runway shortly after 12:30 pm. Witnesses captured footage showing the Airbus A320 wavering before decisively ascending back into the murky skies.
After regrouping in the air, navigating the turbulent atmosphere above West Sussex, the aircraft made a successful landing on its second attempt, ten minutes following the initial ordeal. While easyJet has not officially addressed the episode, the event highlights the challenges faced by airlines and passengers alike as Storm Nelson unleashes its fury over the UK.
The storm’s presence has been felt widely, delivering a concoction of weather woes including 80mph wind gusts, unexpected snowfall, hail, and thunder, disrupting daily life across the region. Various outdoor areas, including esteemed parks and gardens, announced closures, and transport services, including ferries and trains, issued warnings of cancellations and delays in anticipation of the hazardous conditions.
The Met Office, monitoring the situation closely, expanded a wind warning to encompass the entirety of England’s southern coast, stretching from Cornwall to Kent and reaching up to Suffolk, signaling continued strong gusts through to the end of the day.
Transport disruptions included cancellations by DFDS on its Dover to Calais and Dieppe to Newhaven ferry routes. Rail services, notably Thameslink, advised passengers of potential delays due to the adverse weather.
In London, renowned attractions such as Kew Gardens, alongside parts of Bushy Park and Kensington Gardens, made the decision to close early as a precaution against the storm’s might. The Met Office forewarned of powerful winds, up to 70mph, affecting parts of England, with a mix of rain and sleet also anticipated to sweep across the region, heading north.
Storm Nelson’s cold embrace extended to south-west England and Wales, where it blanketed areas with snow, raising concerns over travel disruptions ahead of the Easter weekend. Accumulations reached up to two inches in places like North Wyke, near Dartmoor, and even higher amounts were reported in Powys, Wales.
The storm, named by the Spanish meteorological authority, is expected to continue its onslaught with strong winds affecting large portions of England. Amidst the stormy forecast, holidaymakers gearing up for the Easter getaway faced warnings of snow over Scottish hills and the potential for significant wind and rain impacts.
The Met Office’s yellow warnings for wind in south Devon and along the southern and southwestern coasts reflect the broad reach of Storm Nelson’s influence. Such conditions pose not just inconvenience but also a tangible risk to safety, with potential for injuries, property damage, and travel disruptions.
Despite the tumultuous weather, the Easter weekend forecast suggests a shift towards brighter, albeit still unsettled conditions, with temperatures hovering around the seasonal average. This event underscores the resilience and preparedness required to navigate the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the UK.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
