THE big freeze is on its way. Gritters and snow ploughs are on standby as temperatures look set to plummet to -8C (18F) across Hampshire next week.

Shoppers are already stocking up on comfort food with sales of ready meals, desserts, soup, tea and coffee as well as hot water bottles soaring.

The latest weather forecast shows the cold snap from America will start on Monday night and continue through to Thursday.

Robin Thwaytes of the Met Office said inland areas will struggle to get above freezing during the day while in Southampton city centre temperatures could reach just 1C (34F).

But the wind chill factor could make the weather feel much colder.

At night temperatures look set to dip down to -8C (18F) with the possibility of snow.

In Southampton the city council's four gritters, each containing four tons of grit, are ready for action.

The snowplough fittings - last used 20 years ago - have also been checked and are said to be in full working order.

Gary Shotter, area supervisor, said he was confident the council could cope.

"We don't have any extra staff but it's a case that at this time of year we concentrate on gritting rather than our other jobs like filling in potholes."

Main routes into and out of the city and dual carriageways will be gritted first when the temperature begins to dip.

Then secondary routes and roads linking estates will be covered in the special type of rock salt that quickly melts the ice.

Highways chiefs at Hampshire County Council have got 45 salting lorries and more than 100 winter maintenance staff on standby to deal with the big freeze.

They are predicting using 200 tons of salt to cover the county's busiest roads and are optimistic they will be able to cope.

Andy Langton from the county council's winter maintenance team said: "If we do have wintry conditions forecast and you don't have to travel - don't."

Road chiefs from The Highways Agency said they were well prepared to deal with ice and snow on motorways and trunk roads after last January's fiasco when bad weather conditions caused gridlock.

Spokesman John Murphy said its 700 snowploughs and gritters can deal with any incident at an hour's notice.

Greg Sage, spokesman for the Tesco store in Millbrook, said: "People are stockpiling on ready meals like toad in the hole and casseroles with dumplings. Desserts like jam roly polys are selling quickly too.

"The supermarket has also seen more root vegetables such as parsnips, potatoes and carrots being sold."

Police Sgt Steve Wakeford has appealed to motorists to take extra care. "Ensure your vehicle is in a road- worthy condition and adapt your driving to the conditions."