EXTRA staff and thousands of tonnes of grit are on standby as South Essex prepares for its coldest winter in years.

Experts predict low temperatures, heavy snow and icy gales could start as soon as the end of this month.

Greater Anglia, which runs the railway line from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street, and c2c, which runs services from Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street, have vowed to work closely with Network Rail to ensure tracks, signals and stations can cope.

Teams equipped with grit and shovels will ensure platforms and car parks are made safe for passengers and additional staff are set to be drafted in.

In 1963, temperatures dropped to nearly -20 degrees celsius, causing the River Thames to freeze over, and in the winter of 1987 Essex was battered by such heavy snow some food was rationed by shops because lorries couldn’t deliver goods.

A spokesman for c2c, said: “In the event of bad weather affecting the c2c route, we have contingency timetables that we can put in place to run a more reliable service. We will keep customers informed through our website and Twitter as well as at stations if this becomes necessary.”

Highways departments have also stockpiled grit salt to ensure commuters aren’t left stranded on gridlocked roads.

Southend Council has 1,600 tonnes ready to go – double the amount required by the Government.

Mike Assenheim, deputy councillor responsible for public protection, waste and transport, said: “Southend has four gritting vehicles for the priority road network as well as three quad bikes for high footfall pedestrian areas and yellow grit boxes located across the town.

“In addition we are also planning a campaign to remind residents how best to prepare themselves to keep safe and warm this winter.”

Forecasters from Exacta Weather believe temperatures will drop significantly in the coming weeks as an influx of air from the North Pole drifts over to Britain.

Tom Defty, from the Essex Weather Centre, said: “Personally, I think that snow and ice will make an appearance this winter, but I would be in no rush to get the sledge out of the garage until after the festive period.

“If conditions become favourable for an Easterly flow, the warmer than average North Sea would lead to copious amounts of snow showers to pile into our area – on par with that of November and December 2010 when over a foot was recorded locally.”

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Despite last winter being unusuallymild, we believe in preparing for the worst. Therefore we have 64 gritters ready to be deployed and our salt stocks are at a maximum level.

“We urge the public to be cautious when driving as road surfaces can be deceptively icy, especially first thing in the morning and late at night.

“Further information about winter travel in the County may be found on our website essexhighways.org.”