Shoppers snapped up supplies and gritters are taking to the roads ahead of the expected big freeze overnight.

Supermarkets across the Towns were packed and car parks full as families prepared for the predicted snow.

A spokesman for Morrisons in Strood said: "It has been really busy yesterday and today (Saturday) as people have been buying food. The bread has been flying off the shelves."

Tesco in Courtney Road, Gillingham, had almost run out of semi-skimmed milk by 3pm.

A worker at the store said: "It’s busier today than it was at Christmas. The queues have been massive."

Medway Council has also geared up by sending out its gritters as the Met Office warned the South East could face up to 10cm of snow.

The authority said it had sent out its eight salting lorries to grit all primary and secondary routes and had 5,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled.

There are also 388 salt bins across the Towns and 4x4s vehicles ready to reach rural areas.

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services Cllr Phil Filmer said: "Our teams will work hard to salt all primary and secondary routes across the area and minimise disruption to residents.

"If there is significant snowfall our advice to motorists is to drive carefully, allow extra time for their journeys and ensure their vehicles are in a good condition before they set off. They should also ensure they have warm clothing, a mobile phone and a torch on their vehicle."