Page 1: Month: January 2020

As a nation, we’ve experienced an array of adverse weather in the past decade, all of which have had a varying impact on our daily lives — most recently, storm Brendan in January 2020. The storms we have tackled in recent years have affected everything, from transport issues to causing school closures and power outrages. But arguably the most interesting phenomenon to emerge from these prolonged periods of terrible, freak weather is the names that they are given by the Met Office. They never fail to surprise the general public though, and often they are just as outlandish as the storm itself. We’re taking a look at some of the most unbecoming storm names to have battered the British Isles.

Storm Barney
While we might know Barney as a children’s television icon of the 90s, this ‘Barney’ was the second storm deemed aggressive enough to be named. Storm Barney certainly packed a punch when it hit in November 2015, with trampolines being flung into trees in Basildon, Essex. The worst affected areas of the UK were the Midlands and Wales, and 3,000 homes faced power outrages in Derbyshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, along with 6,000 more in Wales. Gust of wind swept up to a staggering 85mph, causing transport disruption on the roads and railway lines, with many trees succumbing to the gale force conditions.

Storm Desmond
Desmond doesn’t sound like a name particularly set out to cause mass destruction, but in 2015 he (as in the storm) did exactly that. Cumbria and Lancashire took the worst of the impact which began on the 5th December 2015, with a record amount of rainfall observed for Cumbria over the space of 24 hours; and this triggered a rarely attributed ‘red’ warning from the Met Office. At Honister Pass, a prominent part of the Lake District, 341.4mm of rain fell in 24 hours, and a Thirlmere, 405mm of rainfall fell in 38 hours. The city of Carlisle was submerged again, just before the tenth anniversary of its last serious flooding event in 2005. The description sent shock waves up and down the country, with a landslide between Carlisle and Preston leading the commuters being prevented from either crossing the border or travelling South. Wind speed exceeded 70mph in multiple areas of northern England, and power outrages, school closures, and blocked roads characterised the intensity of Desmond…an otherwise unsuspected name to say the least!

Storm Gertrude
Storm Gertrude arrived on UK soil after a hefty six storms in six weeks, giving the public no relief from generally rubbish weather. In January 2016, Gertrude made her presence known across Scotland and northern England, bringing intense winds worthy of a red warning from the Met. Orkney and Shetland were torn by intense winds, and a gust of 105mph was recorded at Lerwick. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued over 40 flood warnings as a precaution, and multiple bridges were closed with ferry departures cancelled at the Aberdeen port.

Storm Doris
From the name alone, Doris sounds unsuspecting, but residents in Wales had a slightly different experience when this oddly named storm hit in February 2017. Doris unleashed a mixture of heavy snow, sheets of ice and alarmingly strong winds, impacting Scotland and Wales notably. Formidable winds of up to 94mph reshaped the scenery, while blankets of snow left motorists stranded on some of the UK’s major motorways. The Port of Liverpool was forced to close, with yellow and amber warnings in place. One of the lighter stories to come out of Storm Doris was the otter cub found alone on a riverbank in Chesterfield, after being separated from its mother as the storm hit.

The storms we’re preparing for in 2020 have been named already, from Dennis to Gerda, Iris, Kitty, Maura, and Roisin. But only time will tell whether they live up to their unbecoming namesake!

While your little ones might have been enjoying the Christmas break, the beginning of the new school term is fast approaching. Yes it’s almost time to get back into the school run routine. As we move further into January, wintery conditions could make arriving at the school gates on time quite a mission, with kids eagerly awaiting the declaration of a ‘snow day’. We’re taking a look at how you can prepare for the winter school dash, on these frosty, dark mornings and afternoons.

Winter layers
It might be enough of a struggle getting your kids up and out of bed in the morning, never mind getting them to layer up and dress for the weather. Once you’ve covered the basics – they’re in their full school uniform, vest and jumper included, it’s all about finding the perfect winter layers to keep them feeling toasty. Starting with a winter coat, making the right choice will see your little adventurers through rain, snow, and wind, so make this a school run priority! Muddy Puddles has a lovely selection of children’s waterproof jackets and raincoats to choose from, with the Explorer Parka being one of our top picks – it comes in three colours, with plenty of zipped pockets and made using a super durable material. The reflective detailing is also a benefit, keeping your kids visible and safe on even the gloomiest of mornings.

Now add gloves, and a hat and they’re bound to be cosy from leaving the house to arriving in the playground. Monsoon has a quirky selection available, from 3D dinosaur beanies, to bright novelty gloves for boys and girls. These extra layers and accessories will come in handy, and your school run won’t be held up by your little ones complaining that they’re feeling chilly.

The shoes for the job
It’s often icy under foot throughout the month of January, so a good pair of shoes is vital for getting your little one to the classroom safely – with no bumps along the way! When it comes to shoes, your children might be quite particular, as even when they are younger there’s a pressure to have the right clothes for school. If it’s not on trend, it’s no good! There are also school rules to consider, and the more appropriate options tend to include brogues, flat boots, and Velcro or buckle bar shoes. Boys are usually allowed to wear shoes which aren’t classed as trainers. Parents of the nation rejoice, Clarks has an outstanding range of shoes for your little learners, they’re bound to find a pair they love and you’re guaranteed quality!

An emergency umbrella
While mums might have their essential birdcage umbrella with their handbag ready for a sudden shower, giving your child an umbrella for school could be really helpful – especially if they’ve got a walk in between getting to the bus stop after the day is done. Fulton has a range of delightful kids’ umbrellas, available in designs full of character, plus they’re designed to last with the reinforced fiberglass frame, keeping your children sheltered from the elements.

Start a walking bus
As we all begin to make conscious efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, walking to school has been actively encouraged by teachers, with some schools setting up a ‘walking bus’ initiative. A walking bus simply means you walk to school with other parents and/or children, as it can be a good way to boost punctuality while also promoting socialization – and it keeps everyone active! If you find that nabbing a spot near the school gates has become too competitive and you live within reasonable walking distance, then why not gather some fellow mums and take to the pavements early in the morning.

Prepare your kids for the new term and the colder days with this guide, and the school run might feel like less of a chore!