WITH snow predicted to fall across the county this afternoon, gritting teams were preparing for a busy 24-hours.

Between two and five centimetres (around two inches) of steady snowfall was set to blanket Worcestershire from about 1pm, which would later turn to rain and continue into the night.

All 31 of Worcestershire County Council’s gritters were due to roll out during the early hours to treat about 800 miles worth of roads before heading out with ploughs to clear roads from lunchtime.

Gritting was set to resume once the rain stopped – expected to be about midnight tonight – as temperatures are again expected to dip well below freezing.

Pedestrian areas in Worcestershire’s town centres were also set to be treated early this morning before shops opened.

Jon Fraser, county council customer response manager, said: “The MET Office is predicting the first real significant snowfall of the winter to hit Worcestershire this afternoon so we’ll certainly be kept busy.

“It’s expected to be very cold before and after the snowfall so, as is usually the case, we’re asking motorists to take care and temper their driving according to the conditions.

“The simple message to everyone is to never assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds even if you think a road has been treated with salt.”

For more information about gritting operations, visit worcestershire.gov.uk/ gritting.

Gritter Twitter will be updated at twitter.com/worcscc.

l Drivers are being urged to pack an emergency kit as temperatures plummet.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is advising motorists to be prepared in case of a roadside breakdown or delay.

Motorists are urged to pack an emergency kit including items such as an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, a first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food and drink and sunglasses to help see in low winter sun.

Drivers are also advised to make sure their mobile phone is fully charged before heading off on a journey.

Katy Jenkins, at the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: “It is worth taking a few minutes to put a few items in your car that may be essential if you break down or experience a delay due to snowy or icy conditions.

You may not need to use them but if you’ll be glad you packed them if you do.”

Motorists are also reminded to drive carefully in sub-zero temperatures and according to road conditions.