Crews in southeast Wisconsin prep ahead of winter storm

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The City of Milwaukee has been preparing for hours ahead of this weekend's expected snow storm. Public Works crews started early Friday, December 13th in the hopes of keeping streets dry for rush hour.

Workers are reminding drivers in southeastern Wisconsin to slow down once the snow starts.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Department says it's prepared to call in extra deputies should there be any accidents like last Sunday's on area highways. Serious accidents involving numerous cars happened in Milwaukee, Racine and Ozaukee Counties on December 8th.

"First off, if you don't have to leave your house, don't. Stay home. Stay off the roads if possible. If you are going to leave, make sure that you have a full tank of gas, make sure you have a cell phone with you, with a charger," said David Maglio, Ozaukee County Deputy Sheriff.

While there are no guarantees about the severity of the expected storm, public works officials in Milwaukee say they are being cautious.

"What we are going to do at the end of the work day today is our recycling and garbage trucks. We will be hooking blades up so that they're ready to roll in the morning," said Wanda Booker with Milwaukee Sanitation Services.

The Department of Public Works says it plans to run salt trucks through the night and begin plowing at 5 a.m. Saturday, December 14th.

As the snow accumulates, Public Works will invoke the four inch parking rule based on how much snow is measured at DPW facilites. Officials say they do not take into account snow totals at General Mitchell International Airport.