FOX VALLEY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – City workers in Oshkosh have long been ready for the first snow of 2022.
“Since the last snow fall last year really,” Oshkosh Public Works Director James Rabe said. “The equipment we’ve got behind us is what we need, and that’s ready to go.”
Rabe said his department is prepared for light snow; 24 hour street division crews will follow their usual routine while also monitoring the snow.
“As they’re starting to see accumulation, they’ll make a call to the supervisors, and then we’ll call in some of our first shift people to come in early and get going,” Rabe said.
Oshkosh workers aren’t alone. Crews in Appleton will try to have roads cleared 12 hours after the end of a snowstorm — although residential roads will only be cleared after two or more inches have accumulated. That’s according to Public Works Director Danielle Block.
“The trucks are ready, salt shed is full and our staff is always ready to meet the challenge.”
Both Rabe and Block said they don’t have all their equipment available since some was being used for the end of leaf collecting season. The year’s first snowfall presents an added challenge for crews.
“We don’t have any residual salt on the road anyhow — really we’re starting from dry pavement right now,” Rabe said. “We don’t have any of that salt compound on the pavement to really start that melting action right now because we haven’t had to be out doing it.”
As city officials prepare, they’re reminding drivers to be extra cautious while driving on unpaved and unsalted roads.
“To leave earlier, that really helps in these efforts,” Block said. “Driving slower. Don’t tailgate. Roundabouts, curves, hills and bridges may be more slippery. Just give our plows plenty of room to work.”
But we found many drivers are always ready for harsh conditions.
“I think I’ve had a scraper in my car for like two months now,” Appleton resident Erin Harris said.
Harris said someone can never be too ready for the start of winter weather.
“I always tell my kids, they’re like, ‘It’s not that cold out, I don’t need my coat,'” Harris said. “I say, ‘Yes. It’s Wisconsin. Doesn’t matter if it’s warm out right now.'”
Snow is expected to begin early today and continue through Wednesday.
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