Archive Films

In February 1978 one of the worst blizzards for over 100 years affected the South West of England, and Devon was particularly badly hit.

This BBC news film from the time shows how gales and blizzard conditions brought the region to a standstill on 18 February.

A car buried in the snow at South Molton

The weather front carrying the snow was expected to move right across the south and continue to the Midlands, but stalled over the South West.

By late on 19 February, 13.4 inches (34cm) of level snow was reported at Exeter Airport, with snowdrifts of over 24ft.

Enormous drifts on the moors blocked scores of roads, paralysing the transport network.

Power lines were brought down and for three days many parts of Devon had no electricity or running water.

Supplies of food and water were flown into the worst hit areas by helicopter.