HEAVY snow and icy winds brought the country to a stand still last week as blizzards swept in from the Atlantic caused by Storm Emma collided with a polar front, which has been named the ‘Beast from the East.

But community spirit shone through in the south west as people banded together to help their friends and neighbours survive in the potentially dangerous conditions — with the emergency services working together with members of the public and the Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response team to assist those needing medical attention or support in the icy conditions.

Storm Emma and the Beast from the East collided on Thursday, March 1, causing high winds and heavy blizzards. A yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office, but this was soon upgraded to a red warning in part’s of the south west as winds were expected to reach highs of 70mph.

Many came out in force to help clear roads and free those trapped in their vehicles by high snowdrifts. A number of local people were seen out and about in their 4x4 vehicles assisting the emergency services and helping to transport medical staff, the public and equipment/supplies to those unable to leave their homes during this time.

Many dedicated healthcare staff made their way into work to ensure local medical care was available to those who needed it. Medical centres in Launceston, Holsworthy and Stratton were opened and limited staff worked hard to ensure the needs of the public were met.

Motorists were advised by the police and other services that travel should not be attempted on Thursday and Friday unless absolutely necessary as road surfaces were treacherous in some areas. Stagecoach South West suspended its services during the red weather warning and Holsworthy Rural Community Transport cancelled its planned trips for Thursday and Friday but have since resumed normal service.

Another consequence of the inclement weather was a disruption in water supply to several homes in Bradworthy, Kilkhampton, Woolsery and Hartland. Following burst pipes, the water supply to these areas was cut off on Sunday, March 4. South West Water apologised for the situation and provided an alternative source of water.

Stations were set up in Bradworthy square, North Close Green and the war memorial in Kilkhampton, Allhallows Church in Woolsery and the war memorial in Hartland. Members of the public were also seen helping their neighbours who were unable to reach the water containers by collecting water for them.

Also affected by the weather were local primary and secondary schools. All 279 schools in Cornwall and 211 Devon County Council schools reported they were closed on Friday.