CHICOPEE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Our team coverage now turns to Chicopee, where crews are gearing up the incoming arctic blast and snowstorm. The city’s Department of Public Works is wasting no time, preparing for the one-two punch.

Our Western Mass News Crews saw several trucks being loaded with salt and sand. DPW Superintendent Elizabette Batista said crews will pre-treat the roads Saturday afternoon, that’s just hours before several inches of snow arrives on Sunday. They will also treat the roads on Sunday morning just to make sure there is enough product on the ground.

Batista, though, has acknowledged finding enough staff has been a struggle, especially plow drivers. That said, Batista said the short-staffed DPW will have their work cut out for them this weekend, “it’s going to take us a bit longer to get all of the roads in the city cleaned up. If you’re a resident, and you’re in need of any sand/salt mix, we have our public shed here at 115 Baskin Drive, which is always available.”

Batista also said there is a parking ban that is going to be in effect from 7:00 a.m. Sunday to 7:00 a.m. Tuesday. She warned vehicles will be towed for this storm.

She also advises people to stay home if you do not have to go out, and if you must drive, be patient as crews do their job on the streets.

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