Sand turns silver as spring howls in Snow and winds cause damage
Mar 24 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
STRONG winds and blizzards lashed the North East over Easter weekend, cutting power to homes, blocking roads and disrupting transport.
And the cold snap is expected to continue for a couple of days.
Several buildings were damaged on Saturday, though no injuries were reported.
In the North Tynedale area of Northumberland nearly 100 homes were blacked out for several hours when high winds brought down power lines.
Team manager at electricity company NEDL, Peter Carr, said: “Two power lines came down, affecting homes in Birtley, Rochester, Byrness Village, Kirkwhelpington and other villages.
“Our engineers worked through the night and power was restored by lunchtime on Saturday. About 91 homes were without power in total.”
In Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, the promenade was closed after scaffolding collapsed around the Rex Hotel as winds gusted at up to 50mph.
Several vehicles were damaged, including one speared by a metal pole, but no one was hurt.
Rex Hotel night porter Derek Lilley, 58, of Blyth, Northumberland, said: “It’s very lucky nobody has been killed. Quite a few people were on the Promenade last night and we could see them almost being blown over.”
All along the North East coast waves crashed over sea walls and police
urged people to stay away from the sea front.
Meanwhile in Durham, snow on Saturday night blocked the A66 at Bowes for several hours, stranding lorries near the Cumbrian border. The road was reopened at lunchtime yesterday as conditions improved.
Heavy snow in Consett, County Durham, also caused problems. Police warned motorists to take extra care.
Several flights from Newcastle Airport were delayed on Saturday, postponing the Easter getaway for many people.
An airport spokesman said: “We had our emergency snow team on standby, but like many places in the region the snow just came in flurries and then there was sunshine, so the airport was able to remain open.
“However, about 10 flights were delayed for between 30 and 40 minutes.” There were no problems reported at the airport yesterday.
Newcastle Falcons’ ground Kingston Park was badly damaged when part of the stand roof was blown off.
A thousand Derby County fans visiting Middlesbrough Football Club’s ground had to be reseated after a stadium stand suffered overnight damage.
More snow is predicted for the rest of the week.
A spokesman for the Met Office said an advisory warning had been issued for the next few days.
He said: “We are advising people to be careful, especially on the roads. There could be more snow over the next few days, although the worst has probably now passed. Towards the end of next week, things should start to get milder.”
