Snow means 'go time' for plow drivers

WAUKESHA, Wis. - The first accumulating snow of the season is expected on Tuesday, Nov. 15. For many of us, the wait is almost over, but for plow drivers and public works departments, it's "go time."

In Waukesha, the highway patrol superintendent said Tuesday morning's commute could be messy. That's why his department spent the entire day Monday getting every truck in the fleet ready.

Like traffic on Grandview Boulevard, another season is about to pass us by, which means work at the Waukesha County highway department will change, too.

"It's been kind of controlled chaos on our end," said Daniel Moudry, patrol superintendent.

Moudry said Monday he had spent the last week planning for Tuesday's snow, a "first test" for what's to come this winter.

"We're hoping everything goes smooth, and at the end of the day, hopefully, the snow won't stick too much to the roads and we can get home at a normal time," said Moudry.

On Monday, drivers and other staff equipped every truck with a plow, salter and more, knowing the streets could be slick.

"There's a lot of different steps and a lot of moving parts," said Moudry.

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At TNT Ace Hardware, a flurry of shoppers tried to beat the storm.

"Now that people are finally realizing that snow is actually coming, it's definitely been picking up," said Tim Farrell, manager. "Moving some salt. Sold a couple snowblowers already. Shovels are starting to fly off."

This extra effort by plow operators and homeowners could make cleaning up a little easier. 

"If you're ready, it's gonna make your life a lot easier not trying to clean out the snow with an old, broken handle shovel, a cracked shovel or even a push broom," said Farrell.

So if you haven't already, maybe move your alarm clock up a little Tuesday to give yourself some extra time. Of course, if you can work remotely, that's not a bad option either.