is the snow affecting anywhere else this badly? are we just not prepared enough?
By carl76
@carl76 (123)
February 2, 2009 3:19am CST
hello all,to be completely honest my particular area isnt too bad by comparison but apparently all london buses are not running and the trains are cancelled and most of the schools where i am are closed.although i am well aware of the dangers and difficulties the snow/ice can cause i cant help but feel that if places like russia,sweden or switzerland manage to go about their business under far worse conditions on a faily regular basis.could we do more in preparation?are we just soft as a country to it?i would be glad for any opinions on this one but especially anyone from a country that has a serious amount of snow or cold weather,take care and wrap up warm hope to hear from you.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
2 Feb 09
Hi there from snow-bound Italy!
I'm English too but I've lived here for the last thirty years. This winter we have had more snow than other years and I'm getting fed up with it. It's gorgeous on the mountain tops but not down in the lower areas and this year it's causing problems here too.
It's been snowing since Saturday night in the north of Italy. Yesterday was not too bad for moving about as it was not snowing too heavily but during the night it got heavier and today I too am hearing that there are problems on the roads. Schools so far are still open but if it carris on like this all day today then probably tomorrow there will be some closures.
Our main problem here is the motorways when it snows. All motorists are adviced to have snpw-chains on board 'just in case' but some do not do this and then when they find themselves on the motorway in a sudden snowstorm they get stuck causing queues. If it is the lorries having problems then this can cause havoc. Some time back there were many lorroes stuck in the snow for several days and volenteers were taking them food and water.
It certainly does seem odd that we can get to the moon and Mars but as soon as it starts snowing we grind to a halt 
I hate driving in the snow and get lifts from others who are more confident than me and that means one less car out there causing trouble too 
I hate driving in the snow and get lifts from others who are more confident than me and that means one less car out there causing trouble too 
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
2 Feb 09
Well in here in Italy in the mountains they don't have trouble with it. Indeed they make their living off it by having sk resorts and they can cope fine with it. It's down in the flatter parts that abig heavy storm causes the trouble. Then also if it carries on snowing (and from my window I can see it's certainly snowing huge big flakes so far thism orning) and the tress have to bear the withgt of it, that too will cause problems if branches break due to the weight and fall onto power lines.
The difference here is tha tomorrow if the sun comes out it will be really warm unlike the English sun as we are nearer tot he equator. This means that at least on the roads it would be easier as the snow plughs would have tried to keep them as clear as possible and the sun would melt that smallamount still lying.
I checked the forcast for UK and it certainly sounds grim so I wish you warmth indoors and suggest you get your skis out and make the best of it 
@carl76 (123)
•
2 Feb 09
thank you for getting in touch,maybe its ignorance on my part but i never really thought of spain as somewhere to have trouble with snow,i havent really travelled a great deal outside the uk and must admit i always thought italy was sunny virtually all year round.well,as they say,you learn something new every day,take care and mind how you go
1 person likes this
@carl76 (123)
•
2 Feb 09
thanks for your comment,i thihk it's strange that we are one of the most diverse countries with regards to weather and yet we always seem to be caught unawares,maybe the government could implement some sort of measures to avoid the country coming to a halt over what is relatively slight conditions,thanks again
@4ftfingers (1310)
•
2 Feb 09
Nah I don't think we're soft. We rarely get snow this bad.
In places like Russia, Sweden etc it's a regular occurance. People have chains for their tyres, a lot more money is invested in snow ploughs, gritters etc.
Theres hardly any business for a snow plough company in the UK.
Plus it only lasts for a couple days here, I don't know how long this one's going to last but can't be too long.
It is frustrating, we're losing money. But home is the best place to be in such an irregular occurance as this.
Take care mate!
@mammamuh (582)
• Sweden
2 Feb 09
Now, the snow isn't affecting our daily life - but we have snow all winter. Even if we get 10-20 inches in a night the next day is just a normal day.
I think it's lack of preparing in most cases. But int's the same in the south of Sweden - every yeare it's the same senario . Caos when the snow comes - because it do come every year!
Hope the snow gets away soon!
