Winter Weather Preps

Workers say they're bringing out the big guns this time. There's still some snow piled up from the last storm, now another four to twelve inches are expected. That will really keep road crews busy tonight and tomorrow. So city workers say they're bringing out the biggest plows they have. Some of these trucks haven't seen any snow since the late 90s, simply because we haven't gotten more than a few inches at a time. But with this weather forecast, road crews aren't taking chances. They say the warmer weather is good news and bads for drivers. "The material this time is going to work a little better because of the warmth," says Champaign street supervisor Kyle Schneider. "The salt will be more effective. The calcium chloride we use will be more effective, but also they talk about some drifting, so that could be a problem. In some areas where they could be on a clear road and all the sudden they get to one part of the road that turns into three foot drift." Snow crews have been out here welding trucks and prepping plows since early this morning. Just making sure everything's in tip-top-shape to keep streets safe. But workers say there's something you can do to help out. Keep your car off the streets tonight. That means both driving and parking. In the last storm city workers had to tow more than 60 cars to keep roads clear. They say if you park on the street tonight you run the risk of having your car snowed in. Another tip... make sure to use the main roads if you have to travel in bad weather. City workers say streets like State, Randolph, Hessel and Mattis will be plowed first and kept clear.