AFTER the snowy/ wintery conditions we faced earlier this month, we decided to look at times of when extreme weather hit the Tynedale area.

In February 2018 the appropriately named 'Beast of the East' brought snow storms and Arctic temperatures to Northumberland for decades.

Despite the best efforts of council workers, farmers, and volunteers to keep the district’s roads clear, in some areas it wasn’t enough, as the Beast from the East battered the landscape.

People in parts of Northumberland and east Cumbria had to dig their way out of the snow, as 10ft high snow drifts made roads impassable.

Hexham Courant: Helicopter crews bring food to cut-off villagesHelicopter crews bring food to cut-off villages (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

The situation became so severe an RAF Chinook helicopter loaded with Royal Marine Commandos was drafted in to help. It was tasked with airlifting essential supplies of food, fuel and medicine to the residents of Nenthead.

Hexham Courant: An RAF Chinook helicopter loaded with supplies and Royal Marine Commandos airlift essential supplies of food, fuel and medicine to the residents of Dykeheads, Nenthead. An RAF Chinook helicopter loaded with supplies and Royal Marine Commandos airlift essential supplies of food, fuel and medicine to the residents of Dykeheads, Nenthead. (Image: Stuart Walker)

Search and rescue volunteers were also deployed to Alston with special vehicles travelling on top of the snow, as the struggle intensified.

Hexham Courant: Army commandos taking part in the snow-clearing operation.Army commandos taking part in the snow-clearing operation. (Image: NQ)

County council staff worked round the clock to combat the weather issues, with non-essential work suspended.

Almost all of the schools in the district, with the exception of Hexham's QEHS, closed due to the winter weather.

Hexham Courant: After school fun on the Sele in Hexham as the 'Beast from the East' hits Tynedale. After school fun on the Sele in Hexham as the 'Beast from the East' hits Tynedale. (Image: KATE BUCKINGHAM)

During the closures, hundreds of children descended upon the Sele in Hexham to take advantage of the sledging conditions.

Hexham Courant: Northumberland County Council clear Hallstile Bank in Hexham. The BEast from the East continues to batter Tynedale. Northumberland County Council clear Hallstile Bank in Hexham. The BEast from the East continues to batter Tynedale. (Image: KATE BUCKINGHAM.)

Three years later, in November 2021 Storm Arwen brought devestation to the area.

Hexham Courant: Prudhoe Legion after Storm ArwenPrudhoe Legion after Storm Arwen (Image: Moira Wooldridge)

Parts of Northumberland and the North-East were been blanketed by snow after a red 'risk to life' weather warning for Storm Arwen.

Hexham Courant: Car damaged by a falling treeCar damaged by a falling tree (Image: NCC)

Some residents were without power and water for weeks.

Hexham Courant: Fallen treeFallen tree (Image: NCC)