The wrong kind of snow

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The wrong kind of snow is a phrase coined (and subsequently misquoted) by the British media in 1991 after severe weather caused disruption to many of British Rail's services. People who didn't realise that there actually are different kinds of snow saw the reference as nonsensical and the phrase became a byword for euphemistic excuses.

[edit] Background

The phrase originated in a comment by British Rail's Director of Operations Terry Worrall, who stated on 11 February 1991 that "we are having particular problems with the type of snow". The cold snap had been forecast and British Rail claimed to be ready for the coming snow. However, the snow that fell that winter was unusually soft and powdery, finding its way into electrical systems and causing short circuits and traction motor damage. For traction motors with integral cooling fans and air intakes pointing downwards—the type that is still common on British passenger carrying electric multiple units—the problem was made worse as the air intake sucked up the loose snow. In addition, low temperatures resulted in problems with pick-up from the third rail and caused sliding doors and couplings to freeze.

Many electric services had to be substituted with diesel haulage and emergency timetables were introduced. Long delays were commonplace—up to eight hours in some cases.

Ironically, the snow was not deep enough for snowploughs or even snow blowers to be effective.