COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Snow plows have not been busy so far this season in central Ohio but that could soon change, and road crews are ready.
“We’ve been running our 24-hour operations since late last night," said Scott Tourville, Administrator of Infrastructure Management for the city of Columbus' Department of Public Service.
The area is expected to get its first measurable snowfall of the season overnight into Friday. Some roads have been pre-treated. During this time of year, Tourville is sometimes called the "Chief Snow Warrior."
“We’re ready to go. Plenty of salt behind me, plenty of salt at all of our facilities, no concerns with staff, no concerns with equipment," he said Thursday afternoon.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is ready too. While the forecast does not call for a significant amount of snow with this round of winter weather, ODOT wants to remind drivers they still need to take it seriously.
“When there is less accumulation you may think you can drive faster, you don't have to give yourself extra time but that should never be your thought," said Morgan Eibel, Central Ohio Regional Public Information Officer for ODOT.
Once crews are finished cleaning up from the first round, they won't have to wait long to use the equipment again. There is a chance for more snow on Sunday.
“These men and women are absolutely ready to go, we will continue to work as long as it takes, and so for a one-two punch like we might be getting, we’ll finish up tomorrow and then we’ll start making adjustments or corrections or preparations for whatever mother nature throws at us," Tourville said.
As always, drivers are reminded to give plow and salt trucks space. So far this season, eight ODOT trucks have been hit, according to the department.
"This is going to be one of the first storms where we do see real accumulation so motorists need to prepare," Eibel said.
