HIGHWAYS chiefs are on alert as the Vale braces itself for the worst weather for nearly 20 years.

Forecasters predict an arctic blast with snow and temperatures set to plummet to the lowest for 15 years.

Road gritting crews are on Red Alert for the weekend with up to 60 crew on standby.

Glen Lucitt, winter maintenance manger for Worcestershire County Council, said the forecast looks bleak.

" The indications are that we are going to get everything thrown at us on Saturday," said Mr Lucitt.

He said 30 gritting trucks with snow ploughs are ready to take to be roads, supported by two snow blowing machines and six special trucks used for hand gritting.

Health chiefs are also concerned that accidents and falls will put more pressure on services at the busiest time of the year.

"We urge people to take care. A cold snap always brings more accidents, falls and broken bones," said Janet Ferguson of the South Worcestershire Primary Health Care Trust.

Police are warning people to be prepared. PC Paul Adams said: "Only drive if you have to and make sure you are prepared. Be a good neighbour and help people in isolated areas."

He suggested that people who might get cut off make sure they were stocked up with food and other essential supplies.

The first warning of bad weather came from the University of Birmingham Meteorology Department.

But Worcestershire weatherman Paul Damari is not expecting anything very severe: "It has been exceptionally mild - the mildest January since 1990. There will be a return to traditional February weather. It will be colder and there many be isolated snow showers."