In the same week that North East roads experienced closure after flooding and snow fell in parts of the region, we took a look back at the Beast from the East in 2018 and how it affected the region.

Anticyclone Hartmut, better known as the Beast from the East sent the UK into chaos for weeks six years ago.

Roads were blocked, temperatures plunged and the North East was brought to a standstill from February 24 to March 4 2018.

The cold spell was caused by a large arctic airmass which stretched from the Russian Far East to the UK and also covered parts of Asia and almost all of Europe.

Winds peaked at a staggering 116mph and the lowest recorded temperature was -14C.

In the UK, 17 people sadly died during the storm which, combined with Storm Emma, resulted in 57cm of combined snowfall over the period.

Social media posts from the time indicate that emergency services were urging motorists and travellers to be careful when leaving home, as roads including the A66 and A1 became particularly dangerous.

Here are some pictures from the storm in 2018 - do you remember the Beast from the East?

The Northern Echo: Huge North Sea waves crash against the Heugh Breakwater at the Headland, Hartlepool. Picture: Tom CollinsHuge North Sea waves crash against the Heugh Breakwater at the Headland, Hartlepool. Picture: Tom Collins (Image: TOM COLLINS)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: The Angel of the North.The Angel of the North. (Image: PA)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The Northern Echo: Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018.Pictures from the Beast from the East in 2018. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)