The Utica DPW is gearing up for the upcoming winter storm. They have been working on a plan for the past couple days.

The Utica DPW Superintendent, Dave Short, says"Our plan now is if it doesn't snow too much during the day we're going to let it come down and then come in at 11 o clock, 10 o clock, plow all night. Traffic's out of the way. People are out of the way. It's easier to clean up the street, especially in the city. And we'll go right into tomorrow morning."

But the hardest part is going to be early tomorrow morning when sleet and freezing rain put ice on the ground. Mr. Short says "Ice is not fun for a plow driver. It's just, you think you're cleaning the road off for a purpose and what you're doing is you're just creating more of a problem because the ice will bond to the black top. So salt is going to be very important."

It is going to be tricky clean up since we are expecting snow before the ice arrives. Mr. Short says "But because we know we have some snow coming first, we'll let the snow fall first. And then create a little layer of snow before it starts to sleet and freezing rain. And that way it's easier to clean up and maintain it easier after that."

And while they are cleaning up tonight and tomorrow, be careful and allow them to do their job. Mr. Short says "General rules during a snow storm. Don't blow your snow out into the street after the snow plows come by, because we're just going to put it right back into your driveway. When you see a plow, stay away from it the best you can. Those guys have a hard time seeing you behind them. Don't play in the snow banks when we're out doing snow operations."

Don't drive unless you have to, and when you're on the roads drive slow and watch out for icy spots.