The first snow of winter may be on the way - but will it match these Sunderland blizzards from years gone by?

Sunderland’s first snow of 2020 could be on the way early next month.

By Chris Cordner

Published 22nd Jan 2020, 16:45 BST

Updated 27th Feb 2020, 19:28 BST

And while weathermen are not predicting huge falls of snow, let's remind ourselves of the years when we’ve battled through blizzards.

We are not just talking about the Beast from the East. Take a look at some spectacular reminders from as far back as the 1940s.

1. Blizzard chaos in 1979

It's a tough task to get this van out of the snow in 1979. Photo: Sunderland Echo

We all remember the Beast from the East but here's one person who found a bracing walk to enjoy, at snow-covered Gilbridge. Photo: SE

A grey sky and blizzards for these drivers in Pennywell to cope with in 1991. Photo: Sunderland Echo

This cyclist found himself riding through a Hylton Road snowstorm in 1994. Photo: Sunderland Echo