MINNEAPOLIS — Snow plows across the metro are getting ready for the first winter storm of the season. The salt pile over at Hennepin County public works is full and ready to go, so large, it even has its own mailbox.
Hennepin County Public Works Road Operation Manager Andy Kraemer says the county has already started pre-treating the 22-hundred miles of roadways in its jurisdiction, hoping to take a bite out of the snow as soon as it starts falling.
"We're hitting some of our hills, some of the sharp curves and bridge decks. When we do that, that helps prevent the snow and ice from bonding with the asphalt."
And at 2 a.m. on Wednesday, the full crew will hit the streets:
"One round, one full round takes about 4 hours in each run. So the reason we start at 2 a.m. is to try to get out of the way of that first rush hour." (9 seconds)
MNDOT is taking a more cautious approach. Waiting to see what type of precipitation starts to fall first. If it's rain, any pre-treating would be a waste.
Once the snow begins to fall - MNDOT has 800 plows across the state, including 240 here in the metro, that will be out in full force.
Even with their help - still be ready for slippery roads.. and make sure to give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you're going.
RELATED: WEATHER: Snow arrives Tuesday night