People around the region preparing to ride out winter weather wallop

PITTSBURGH — Officials with the City of Pittsburgh said they have enough salt to treat the roads and that crews are already out preparing for Wednesday’s snow storm.

UPS and FedEx tell Channel 11 they are doing all they can to get packages delivered on time for Christmas, but they’re also asking customers to help them out.

“Obviously, this isn’t the first snow, so some people are prepared,” said Samantha Post, owner of T&M Hardware Rental. “The shovels we have are out. We have more down in storage.”

A steady flow of customers stopped by the store in Bellevue ahead of the storm.

“I have puppy treats, which is the most important thing in my house, so the dogs are well taken care of for tomorrow,” Jamie McMinn said.

It’s not the best timing for a big snowfall, though, with Christmas just over a week away. McMinn said he plans to finish his holiday shopping after the snow settles, but he hopes the storm won’t impact the packages he’s already ordered.

“Just hoping that UPS and FedEx can deliver on time and the post office,” he said.

UPS stated it has been making deliveries on Sundays and early mornings since Thanksgiving. UPS officials hope people will clear walkways and porches, areas that also impact postal workers.

FedEx officials said they have plans in place to lessen the effect of the weather on deliveries, but the storm could create some challenges.

“We’re getting the shovels right now, and we’ve been working on the plows and trucks for the last three or four hours and getting ready,” Gary Walker said.

Walker said he has an 18- to 20-hour work-day ahead of him Wednesday. He’ll be out on the roads clearing snow. Between Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works, there will be more than 100 vehicles available and ready to take on the storm.

“If the snow comes down too quickly, we will just use plows. But as soon as we get caught up on it, we will put the salt on the road,” said Stephen Shanley with the Allegheny County Department of Public Works.

City officials said they plan to use a third of their salt supply if needed.

Westmoreland County preparing ahead of Wednesday storm

Cox Media Group