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General => Off Topic => Topic started by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 08:42 AM

Title: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 08:42 AM
Up here in the frozen north east coast of Scotland it's been ok just a bit winter roads on the coast were ok the main problem was wind blown snow making it hard to see and a lorry getting stuck on a small hill.
I think inland has had it worse than here .
Down south of Dundee and across the central belt of Scotland have had it bad in the red zone of weather.
They are saying that the south west and Wales are getting it over then next few days .
Tomorrow is the first day of spring .
Stay safe everyone it'll soon be past and we'll be back on our bikes .
:cheers:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 08:52 AM
Indeed, so much for spring!

I'm just trying to imagine those guys picking up and driving their new "18" plate bikes tomorrow - or maybe not!

Hopefully this will abate in the next few days and things will start to cheer up a bit.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Sweaty on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 10:18 AM
Stay safe over there folks, it has been getting coverage on the news down here & the latest was a guy dying Trying to rescue his dog from a frozen lake in London park.
Keep safe.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: KiwiCol on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 03:42 PM
Quote from: seth on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 08:42 AM
Up here in the frozen north east coast of Scotland it's been ok just a bit winter roads on the coast were ok the main problem was wind blown snow making it hard to see and a lorry getting stuck on a small hill.
I think inland has had it worse than here .
Down south of Dundee and across the central belt of Scotland have had it bad in the red zone of weather.
They are saying that the south west and Wales are getting it over then next few days .
Tomorrow is the first day of spring .
Stay safe everyone it'll soon be past and we'll be back on our bikes .
:cheers:

Hey Seth, fit some chains & you'd be right!

Stay safe guys & keep warm.  Thinking of you all shivering in that.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: essexboydave on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 05:30 PM
We've got the deepest snow I've seen in many years! Even the Jeep has struggled with it, although the 4 wheel drive gives me an advantage in forward traction steering and stopping are an entirely different story especially on any downward slopes as the tyre tread just clogs up with compacted snow which freezes  :shocked:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: T 24 on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 05:41 PM
Quote from: essexboydave on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 05:30 PM
We've got the deepest snow I've seen in many years! Even the Jeep has struggled with it, although the 4 wheel drive gives me an advantage in forward traction steering and stopping are an entirely different story especially on any downward slopes as the tyre tread just clogs up with compacted snow which freezes  :shocked:
This is not the deepest snow I have seen, not even close to it, but I had to put snow chains on to my old Volvo T 24 tractor to get out from our yard!
And the temperature was -26°C this morning..  Waiting for summer, really...
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Kiwifruit on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 05:52 PM
Dont seem too good up there. As a kid l dont ever recall snow like that in Essex.
As others have said keep safe.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Andre on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:11 PM
QuoteThe beast from the east and storm Emma

That's click bait Seth :whistling:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:14 PM
 :cheers:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:40 PM
Not looking good for the SW - RED Weather warning just issued.

Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:41 PM
On a serious note they have just issued a red warning for snow for Devon Cornwall Somerset and south Wales.
Also extended the red warning for the central belt in Scotland till 3pm today

Be safe all
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Andre on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:46 PM
So far 45 death from the cold in Europe in less than a week. 18 of these in Poland.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Red Biker on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:53 PM
Jeez that puts it all in perspective Andre, I'm going slightly stir crazy working from home all week but nothing life threatening!

Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 06:54 PM
Quote from: Andre on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 06:46 PM
So far 45 death from the cold in Europe in less than a week. 18 of these in Poland.

That's a terrible thing Andre.

The problem over here is this is very unusual weather for the UK and why it's such a big thing here and we're not geared up for this kind of weather .
It might have changed but a few years ago Devon and Cornwall on have 1 snow plough between them that they shared we just don't get it bad enough often enough to be prepared enough.
No money apparently.

Places in Europe that are much more used to this kind of winters have all the equipment needed and the drivers are also more prepared.
I've seen signs in Germany and Italy that say vehicles have to have snow tyres fitted from October-march by law .
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: grog on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 07:08 PM
keep safe you blokes. even on our news here about red warning. i know nothing about those temps but doesnt sound fun. sitting here in house at 30c at present, a warm day for start of autumn. my 18 degree start this morn even felt a bit cool. had to button jacket right up. amazing world we live in, just the difference , feeling for yas. feburary rain for here was over 400mm, min temp was 18.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Kiwifruit on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 07:32 PM
Quote from: Red Biker on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 06:53 PM
Jeez that puts it all in perspective Andre, I'm going slightly stir crazy working from home all week but nothing life threatening!


Have you finished your pizza ?  :whistling:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Andre on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 07:42 PM
Seth, it's expensive to be prepared for the unusual. Best is to stay hunkered down till it's over. Not everyone can though.

Snow tires aren't the alpha& omega as Dave's post shows.
Quote from: essexboydave on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 05:30 PM
We've got the deepest snow I've seen in many years! Even the Jeep has struggled with it, although the 4 wheel drive gives me an advantage in forward traction steering and stopping are an entirely different story especially on any downward slopes as the tyre tread just clogs up with compacted snow which freezes  :shocked:

We call them winter tires. There main advantage is that they are softer at low temps. Summer tires' rubber turns very hard amd have no grip at these temps. Winter tires have also more profile in the treads which helps dissipate water. They are ok when there is little snow only.

No, in Germany you are not required by law to have winter tires fitted during a certain time period. However you have to have them fitted when the weather condition demands (situational requirement) it. Motorcycle are exempt from this! As are wheelchairs :) Lots of other exemptions too. But there are stipulations for the exemptions. If you don't have them fitted when the situation demands it you are limited to 50 km/h which excludes you from using the Autobahn). You have to determine before you take off if it is absolutely necessary and ensure that there is no other mode of transportation available.

Fines are 60 € or 80 € if you become an obstacle :grin: If you get into an accident your insurance will jump on it  and deny/reduce your claim (who would have thought otherwise).
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 07:53 PM
I have winter tyres on my golf make a big difference but not in deep snow or on ice.
I'll be keeping out the way until it's passed as I don't need to go anywhere my work will be there when we go back as most of it involves travelling around and that's not possible anyway .
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Andre on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 08:14 PM
:onya:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 08:41 PM
I put all season tyres on when i bought my 4 wheel drive VW Tiguan 4 years ago as I was travelling to Ypres to visit the war graves in November and as Andre says you get fined if the tyres haven't got a ice symbol on the side wall - I had to order the tyres from Germany cos they didn't sell my size in the UK -  - first time they have  seen snow in 60K until today ! just been out and TBH steering and braking is not that good so it will stay in the drive for the next few days - and anticlimax but at my age used to it ! lol  :)
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mick_J on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 09:06 PM
It's very cold for this time of year and there is a fair bit of snow around which is a bit inconvenient and if people used their brains not too dangerous but the worst bit will be the whinging gits complaining that we don't have enough snow ploughs and snow clearing equipment.  We don't get this every year, or even every 5 years to justify having car parks full of unused snow and ice clearing equipment, Finland, Scandinavia, Norway and other places north probably do.  It won't be long before it all starts kicking off.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 10:46 PM
Great news - Boss says we can go home when the snow reaches the windowsill - bad news is we are on the third floor !!  :smile2:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: froudy on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 11:28 PM
Shit's going to hit the fan here soon..
We've already got 2" of the white stuff :shocked:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 11:36 PM
I see BBC are saying the Red Alert starts at 15:00 today and basically you should get home before then
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 11:41 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 11:36 PM
I see BBC are saying the Red Alert starts at 15:00 today and basically you should get home before then
My daughters wife had to get to Reading to catch train back to Cardiff as high speed trains stopping at Reading as they cant get to paddington ! seems my 4x4 will be out later  :bugga:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: froudy on Thursday, 01 March 2018, 11:58 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 11:36 PM
I see BBC are saying the Red Alert starts at 15:00 today and basically you should get home before then

I'm off shift until next Wed night...
That was lucky  :onya:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Friday, 02 March 2018, 12:08 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 09:06 PM
It's very cold for this time of year and there is a fair bit of snow around which is a bit inconvenient and if people used their brains not too dangerous but the worst bit will be the whinging gits complaining that we don't have enough snow ploughs and snow clearing equipment.  We don't get this every year, or even every 5 years to justify having car parks full of unused snow and ice clearing equipment, Finland, Scandinavia, Norway and other places north probably do.  It won't be long before it all starts kicking off.

I wish I could give this more than 1 "like". I couldn't agree more. Last time we had anything like this in my area was 2012.

Whenever I hear people complaining about how Britain comes to a stop when it snows, I ask them how much extra council tax they'd be willing to pay to cover it. or which hospitals we should close.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Andre on Friday, 02 March 2018, 12:56 AM
And then the snow plows won't get through because someone is blocking the road with their car.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: froudy on Friday, 02 March 2018, 02:00 AM
Quote from: Andre on Friday, 02 March  2018, 12:56 AM
And then the snow plows won't get through because someone is blocking the road with their car.

Police are advising motorists not to go out unless absolutely necessary because the roads are blocked by television crews telling us it's snowing :rofl2: :rofl2:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mick_J on Friday, 02 March 2018, 02:05 AM
But what if I need a loaf of bread for a chip butty?
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March 2018, 02:46 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:05 AM
But what if I need a loaf of bread for a chip butty?

Send the wife  :whistling:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mick_J on Friday, 02 March 2018, 03:08 AM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:46 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:05 AM
But what if I need a loaf of bread for a chip butty?

Send the wife  :whistling:
Then who is going to make the chips, I can't do everything  :lol:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Friday, 02 March 2018, 04:19 AM
Birds are very happy we filled up the feeders but the birds who are ground eaters are struggling as it gets covered in snow as soon as we put it out  :)
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 02 March 2018, 07:02 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 03:08 AM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:46 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:05 AM
But what if I need a loaf of bread for a chip butty?

Send the wife  :whistling:
Then who is going to make the chips, I can't do everything  :lol:
She can do the chips when she gets back with the bread - easy. :whistling:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March 2018, 09:04 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 02 March  2018, 07:02 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 03:08 AM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:46 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Friday, 02 March  2018, 02:05 AM
But what if I need a loaf of bread for a chip butty?

Send the wife  :whistling:
Then who is going to make the chips, I can't do everything  :lol:
She can do the chips when she gets back with the bread - easy. :whistling:

Even better - get her to get the bread first and drop in at the chippie on the way back - sorted  :onya:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 02 March 2018, 09:11 AM
We are such a helpful bunch aren't we.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Friday, 02 March 2018, 09:56 AM
If your bringing back chips them getting the bread make sure the chips are double wrapped to keep them hot for longer.
:cheers:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 02 March 2018, 10:11 AM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Friday, 02 March  2018, 09:11 AM
We are such a helpful bunch aren't we.

Solutions for all problems even domestic ones  :boogie:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: froudy on Friday, 02 March 2018, 04:22 PM
I've been lucky with my shift pattern and this weather. I finished at 19:00 on Tue evening and I'm not due back in until next Wed for three night shifts.
It's still snowing here with no sign of letting up either.
This was the M4 near Newport last night :shocked:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: shanered6 on Friday, 02 March 2018, 08:13 PM
This was here last night it was very bad !!
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: shanered6 on Friday, 02 March 2018, 08:16 PM
this is the A947 to inverurie
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mister Fishfinger on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 07:02 AM
Quote from: froudy on Friday, 02 March  2018, 04:22 PM
I've been lucky with my shift pattern and this weather. I finished at 19:00 on Tue evening and I'm not due back in until next Wed for three night shifts.
It's still snowing here with no sign of letting up either.
This was the M4 near Newport last night :shocked:

Most of my family lives in Newport, they say the shops are mostly closed and the ones that are open are almost empty. Last time it was that bad (and I remember it because I lived there) was 1982. Kids are having fun, but obviously it's hard on the old people and the homeless.

Strangely for me it's actually been quicker to get to work. I had one rough day on Wednesday when it was gridlocked round here and I couldn't get off the estate, took me 1.5 hours to do 8 miles. But since then it's been a breeze, because the M25 has half the usual traffic and there isn't much snow. I think the bad weather has stopped people travelling through the area so us locals have got it to ourselves.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 07:13 AM
Quote from: Notty on Thursday, 01 March  2018, 08:41 PM
I put all season tyres on when i bought my 4 wheel drive VW Tiguan 4 years ago as I was travelling to Ypres to visit the war graves in November and as Andre says you get fined if the tyres haven't got a ice symbol on the side wall - I had to order the tyres from Germany cos they didn't sell my size in the UK -  - first time they have  seen snow in 60K until today ! just been out and TBH steering and braking is not that good so it will stay in the drive for the next few days - and anticlimax but at my age used to it ! lol  :)
Main hospital in South Wales was asking for drivers of 4x4 to help get staff to and from work...took an hour to get through on the phone and they said only registered volunteers can be used... how do you apply I asked, we will send a form out to you.....perhaps next year then? .. what a waste... :bugga:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 07:17 AM
I got from Aberdeen to Dundee this afternoon with no problem apart from last 3 miles to the house when I was held up by a landrover 90 with posh wheels and road tyres who kept stopping to check it was safe to drive on well packed snow .
I passed him and carried on without stopping.

:cheers:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Notty on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 07:26 AM
Quote from: seth on Saturday, 03 March  2018, 07:17 AM
I got from Aberdeen to Dundee this afternoon with no problem apart from last 3 miles to the house when I was held up by a landrover 90 with posh wheels and road tyres who kept stopping to check it was safe to drive on well packed snow .
I passed him and carried on without stopping.

:cheers:
on the 14 of course !! :)
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: seth on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 07:38 AM
I wish
I was in the car today .
So strange tho last Friday me and Emma on our 14's did over 150 miles very cold but totally dry day .
The day I got my very 1st gsx1400 a K2 was 10th of Dec 2002 it snowed on the way home took 2 hours to ride 12 miles .I said I'd never try and ride it on snow ever again .
:cheers:
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: Mick_J on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 09:29 PM
When a bike was my only transport and I had to get to work in the snow I used an old Matchless G80 to travel the 14 miles.  Then I would spend about an hour trying to mount a radiator  :whistling: I only go out now if I want to, on a bike if it's dry or a car if it's wet.
Title: Re: The beast from the east and storm Emma
Post by: froudy on Saturday, 03 March 2018, 10:41 PM
The car definitely wont be going anywhere for a few days yet!!