HOLYOKE, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - If you’re planning to hit the roads tomorrow afternoon, you may want to rethink that commute. Holyoke’s Department of Public Works director says this storm has the potential to create dangerous, icy conditions that crews can’t treat ahead of time.

“This starts off as rain and the roads are all still wet, and the, uh, salt base that’s on the road right now from the last storm gets washed away. It’s, uh, when the temperature drops to 32 degrees and, uh, below, uh, any wet surfaces can all of a sudden turn to ice. And it’s impossible to have the, uh, trucks out there with salt on every single road at the same time. So they should be, uh, cautious and mindful of the, uh, weather and the potential for icing.” Said Michael Gallagher, the Interim Director for the City of Holyoke Department of Public Works.

Gallagher went on to say that the rain-to-ice scenario means Holyoke’s first response crews will be playing catch-up all day, treating icy roads as conditions develop.

“As the day goes on, and we get the most up-to-date forecasts, we’ll make a decision on if we need to leave a crew on after three o’clock, or if we’re going to schedule a time for a crew to come back.” He added.

Gallagher told us that crews will focus on salting roads to prevent ice buildup, but with rain expected first, slippery conditions are likely. He is urging everyone to stay home tomorrow if possible. If you must drive, expect icy roads and give yourself extra time.

Overall, crews will be out in force, but they can’t prevent every slick spot.

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