UK Freezing and Running Out of Gas Amid 'Beast From the East'

The UK's National Grid says it needs to buy gas in order to meet the demand amid severe drops in temperature and gas supply irregularities that have raised consumption levels to a five-year high. Earlier, the company published another warning after the day's forecast originally showed a shortfall of 49.5 million cubic meters below the country's projected need of 395.7mcm per day.

​"We are in communication with industry partners and are closely monitoring the situation," the NG said.

Heavy snowfall and unprecedented cold temperatures following the arrival of the "Beast from the East" polar whirlwind and the storm Emma have forced people across the UK to fire up their heating. 

The British Met Office has issued several warnings to the British people, explaining the situation and advising not to travel unless the journey is essential.

Hundreds of schools have been closed, dozens of flights and train services have been canceled and a number of serious crashes have been reported as heavy snowfall hits the UK. Twitter users are posting photos commenting on the unusual, snowy weather conditions.

​READ MORE: Police Recommend Paris Citizens to Avoid Using Personal Vehicles Due to Ice Rain

Last year, a "perfect storm" of energy supply crisis made Great Britain import gas from Russia, despite London's role in a series of strict sanctions that were supposed to cripple the Russian energy industry.