From the archive: Snowstorms sweep Britain - 7 January, 1947

BRITAIN shivered yesterday as an anticyclone spreading from the south brought the coldest conditions for several weeks.

BRITAIN shivered yesterday as an anticyclone spreading from the south brought the coldest conditions for several weeks.

Snow fell in most parts of the country, blocking many roads, including some in Central and Western Scotland, while shipping was reported to be in distress off the Scottish coasts, where a 60mph gale has raged for several days. Gale warnings were in operation for all coasts. Peterhead and Tobermory lifeboats were called out in response to distress signals. With trains slowed down or cancelled and road services dislocated, transport and industrial difficulties in England were added to by two power cuts. Road transport in the West of Scotland and steamer services on the Firth of Clyde were seriously affected. Snow caused the cessation of outdoor work at housing schemes, in shipyards, and on constructional work at the hydro-electric scheme at Loch Sloy.

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