Hastings feels the ‘heat’ from the beast of the east
The arctic blast that’s had a grip on Hastings since the start of this week isn’t done with us yet.
The so-called ‘beast from the east’ might be blowing itself out but it will soon be replaced by equally cold winds this time coming from the south and forecasters are predicting even more snow in the coming 72 hours.
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Overnight snow on Monday saw a number of Hastings schools shut on Tuesday and the websites providing information for parents were struggling to cope with the demand they were under.
East Sussex County Council’s website https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/ provides up to date information on whether schools are open or closed from a link right at the top of its homepage.
Many drivers were also caught out by the severity of the downfall with the main route north from Hastings, the A21, closed at Lamberhurst for a time on Tuesday as cars and lorries became stuck in the snow and ice.
The main responsibility for gritting is East Sussex County Council’s and plans were in place to grit main and arterial roads early to keep things moving in and around the town.
There have been stark contrasts too as weather has fluctuated between dark overcast cloudy skies and clear, bright blue, cloudless skies bathing the town in bright – if not warm – sunshine.
While forecasters are predicting that temperatures will recover over the weekend and in to the beginning of next week, that’s not before further snows tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday with blizzards conditions being predicted.
While snow and seriously sub-zero temperatures bring disruption with them there is no denying that lying snow makes the town look particularly attractive and here are just a few photographs that prove the point.