PennDOT's Brad Rudolph says road crews are ready for whatever comes.
"We're ready to go. We're just waiting for the forecast. We'll huddle up as we get closer to Thursday and to Friday and see what the forecast brings but we'll have our full complement out there if we need to," he said.
He says that includes some 450 trucks across the five-county region.
"They're set with putting on spreaders in anticipation of this storm. Of course, blades will be put on the trucks," Rudolph said, referring to plow blades and spreaders for road salt.
"A lot of the counties have done their dry runs. The guys get familiar with their routes, typical problem spots, any areas that might flood or freeze. So they're well aware before they begin the season." And, he says, if there's time, they may get out before Friday to spread a salty solution called brine to pre-treat the roads.
Rudolph says salt depots are well stocked, and contractors also are on standby to complement the state crews if needed.
He says the bottom line for PennDOT is cooperation from drivers on the roads. Rudolph's advice: Make sure tires have good tread, the car or truck battery is of recent vintage, and engine fluids are topped off — including windshield washer fluid — and checking the condition of windshield wiper blades to make sure they're ready for winter.