On a bitterly cold Saturday night, the residents of Center City huddled together, preparing themselves for what lay ahead.
“I went to the grocery store already, got some salt and stuff ready, so I’m as ready as we are going to get,” said Amber Alleyne, from Willingboro, New Jersey.
The atmosphere at the Rothman Ice Rink in Dilworth Park was serene, as Philly braced itself for an impending snowstorm on Monday. Sidewalks surrounding City Hall received a thorough salting, while the Streets Department dedicated a portion of Saturday to pre-treating primary roads.
In preparation for a fast-approaching storm that brought only a light dusting of snow, the roads in New Castle County, Delaware were treated with a brine solution. DelDOT has announced that workers will be called in early on Sunday to ensure that the necessary equipment is ready for the more significant storm that is expected to affect the entire state.
“Getting our plow trucks filled and ready so that we are able to deploy once those first snowflakes start falling,” said C.R. McLeod, Director of Community Relations for DelDOT. “The challenge for us will be ensuring that we are keeping plows out on the road continuing to work to keep roads clear, but also ensuring we are rotating staff on and off so they can get rest breaks as well.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has already pre-treated many roads to ensure their safety. Crews will be deployed to keep the roads clear and safe throughout the winter.
“We got hand warmers, we got hats and gloves by the door, so we feel good,” said Megan Migioia.
“Tires have enough air in them and the gas tank is full,” said Kenny Jones.
“My plan is to go outside and swim in the snow. I’m going to play in the snow and have some fun,” said Katega Springle, who is visiting from Trinidad and has never seen snow before.