STANSTED Airport is gearing up for up to 4in (10cm) of snow on Saturday (February 4).
The Uttlesford hub has two independent weather forecasters with stations on site and both agree that severe weather is on the way this weekend.
BAA’s fleet of tractors, now doubled in size, plus de-icing equipment and a snowblower “of Scandinavian proportions” is on standby to keep the runway operational.
Managing director Nick Barton said: “We are never complacent about snow. The weather forecasts are simply that, it’s not a guarantee, but we are all as prepared as we can be.”
Last winter, when Heathrow and Gatwick were paralysed by cold snaps, Stansted remained open for all but four hours. It is on standby to take diverted aircraft once again this weekend.
On the roads of Hertfordshire and Essex, the county councils’ gritters will be in action from 7pm tonight (Friday, February 3).
Cllr Tracey Chapman, Essex County Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “With severe weather forecast for the weekend we are closely monitoring forecasts, with our gritting fleet ready to mobilise when required. If you do need to travel please drive with caution and check the condition of your car before you leave.”
Her counterpart on Herts County Council, Cllr Stuart Pile, said: "We will continue to salt all the main routes around the county and will be salting before any snow arrives and ploughing through it on main routes as necessary.
"While salt is the best material we have available to treat snow and ice and we're confident our supplies will see us through this cold snap, please remember that salt isn't a magic powder that always makes roads completely safe. Please take care if you're out and about in the next week and allow extra time for your journeys."
Advice about preparing for and driving in winter conditions is available for Herts residents online at www.hertsdirect.org/salting. The latest for those in Essex is on www.twitter.com/Essex_Travel
