City crews equipped to deal with winter weather

Cities in the metro area say they are much better prepared for winter weather than it was two years ago.

In 2011, a wintry mix of snow and ice shut down much of metro Atlanta for a week. Back then, the city was left scrambling to find equipment to rent.  Officials say they've spent an estimated $1 million on new equipment.  

"Well, versus the event two years ago, we have expanded our treatment equipments from a total of 7 sand spreaders to 30 sand spreaders," said Atlanta Public Works Commissioner Richard Mendoza.  

Mendoza said that the city is prepared to send 40 plows to trouble spots; two years ago, they had just 4.

Weather treatments, including sand, salt and a stone mix, have been prepared to quick disbursement in case of emergency.

"We would like to apply that within two to four hours in advance of a winter storm event," said Mendoza.

Mendoza said that motorists are encouraged to report any icy conditions seen on the roadways.

Georgia's Department of Transportation is taking a wait-and-see approach.

"All the snow plows are ready, all the trucks have been retrofitted and we're ready to go," said Jill Goldberg of the Georgia DOT.

In Lawrenceville, city officials also have a snow plow ready in case of a snow emergency.

"We had it last year, but we didn't get to use it, so we have it on all ready for this year," said snow plow operator Wayne Wilkerson.

Ace Hardware in Lawrenceville had snow melt ready for customers.

"Some of them are safe to put on anything and leave out," said Joey Koot. "I have stuff in other bags but you have to be careful with it. If you leave it on too long, it can burn the concrete and harm the vegetation."

While there is no certainty of a winter storm, officials said it is better to be prepared than suffer a repeat of 2011.