Winter is coming: Southeast Wisconsin prepares for 1st significant snowfall this season

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Our first winter snowstorm is on the way, and preparations are underway to clear it as it falls in southeast Wisconsin. 

The City of Milwaukee's Department of Public Works (DPW) said crews will be gearing up for 12-hour shifts starting around 9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 before the snow starts falling. 

More than 100 salt trucks will then be deployed to treat thousands of land miles across the area. 

“When it first starts snowing, we’ll be focused on the main streets, right, all the main highways and the busier streets, to make sure that those are addressed and as safe as we can make them as it snows," said City of Milwaukee Urban Forestry Manager Jeff Laufenberg. "We prepare for the worst but expect anything."

Laufenberg told CBS 58 their top priority year-round is safety, but especially during any kind of inclement conditions. 

"We've been doing this for years, we're good at it, and we're prepared," Laufenberg said. "It's the first big snow of the season so people tend to need to get reacclimated to driving in winter weather in Wisconsin so just take it slow, be careful, and be safe."

Inland counties are expected to see higher snow totals than the Milwaukee area.

Waukesha County and city's Public Works staff have been preparing for the last few days to take on potentially nine inches of snow.

"The guys are really ready to fight it. They just have been itching, ready to go," said Rick Gillis, highway supervisor for Waukesha County Public Works.

After a quiet start to winter, plow drivers inspected their trucks Monday ahead of the first big snow of the season.

"Grease them, make sure they're ready to handle the whole storm. Checking plows, wings, making sure everything's tight, everything's secure," Gillis said.

Eight plows filled with brine will be out on county roads Monday night.

"Their main focus will be I-94, 16, the interstates, the bigger state roads," Gillis said.

Fifty-one trucks will be deployed after 3:30 Tuesday morning, rotating drivers throughout the day.

"More than likely, we're going to start off with plowing and salting intersections, hills, curbs," Gillis said. "Salt where needed."

They're also looking ahead to the potential for high winds on Wednesday.

"The winds will definitely be a factor for our guys. We'll probably be scraping off drifts and re-salting areas that have drifted over," Gillis said.

Meanwhile, the City of Waukesha has 43 trucks and more than 50 drivers ready to clear city streets.

Public Works officials ask residents to expect changing road conditions, and drive safely, especially around plows.

If you see a yellow truck like this, give them 200 feet, there's a reason there's a 200-feet law, it's for their safety," Gillis said.

The county is also preparing for next weekend, when temperatures are expected to drop. In that case, they would switch from brine to a calcium mix for the roads to help melt snow and ice more quickly.

People in Washington County were also preparing for the winter storm warning Monday night. 

Dozens of community members went to ACE Hardware store in Germantown to buy essential winter items. 

Tow truck operators cautioned people to remain alert on the interstate when they pass emergency vehicles. 

We also spoke with AAA, and they tell us the best practice for storms like this is if you have to commute, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination.