Meanwhile, other government-held data - such as the Met Office's weather records - could also be opened up under the plans.

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Parts of the area could see up to 26 inches of snow from the storm, the station reported, and the weather service said Wichita would be under a blizzard warning until 6 a.m.

CNN: 'Truly a historic blizzard,' weather service says

Under freezing winter conditions the output can be miniscule because very cold weather and high winds require turbines to be shut down to avoid damage.

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Currently a severe "space weather" event would most likely be considered an "emergency" under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and require help from the armed forces.

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