BEIJING - CHINA'S police are preparing to tackle paralysed roads and railways if icy weather seizes the south and centre in a possible repeat of last year's gridlock just as millions head home for the Lunar New Year holiday.

The prospect of millions of migrant workers stuck in Guangdong and other big manufacturing provinces is especially worrisome this year amid the global financial crisis.

State media have warned the abrupt economic slowdown could leave crowds of jobless and angry rural migrants milling around cities. And a transport shutdown would intensify those worries.

Freezing rains and snow over past days have blocked some roads in the south, and officials have been ordered to brace for spreading harsh weather, the People's Daily said on Thursday.

Early last year, unusually icy weather hit stretches of the south half, trapping millions of workers heading home for the Chinese New Year holiday and choking off power and transportation in regions that produce much of China's food and exports.

Highways in Hunan and Hubei provinces have again been disrupted by snow and ice in past days, the China News Service reported. Many parts of Henan, Anhui and Guizhou provinces had also been hit.

This year may not see a full repeat of last year's sweeping freeze. But police and transport officials have been ordered on the alert ahead of the start of the holiday from Jan. 25, the People's Daily said.

The Ministry of Public Security ordered police in potential trouble spots to 'swiftly activate emergency response plans for transport management in harsh weather", Xinhua news agency said.

'Fully prepare for responding to and handling freezing weather with icy rain and snow,' police were told, according to Xinhua.

Police must 'prevent long-lasting and large-scale transport blockages' this year, Xinhua said. -- REUTERS