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Snow Preparations Underway As Region Braces For Nor'Easter #4

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - On this first day of spring, it's the winter weather that has everyone's attention. Road crews are ready to tackle the fourth nor'easter in three weeks.

Even though it's the first day of spring, PennDOT Spokesman Brad Rudolph says road crews are in winter mode.

"Our winter services push on despite what the calendar says," said Rudolph.

PennDOT has 400 plus trucks ready to go, 70,000 tons of salt and crews ready to plow and treat the roads and be available for anything else that may pop up.

"We do have crews on standby to deal with any emergency situations. Removing trees from state highways - those kinds of things," said Rudolph.

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Rudolph says it has been a taxing time for PennDOT crews. In between storms, many have been filling potholes.

"They've done a fantastic job. They've worked a lot of hours and they'll continue to do so," said Rudolph.

But now, it's back to the roads for more snow.

It's a storm of sorts inside the supermarkets. Many didn't think they would be stocking up to battle snow on the first day of spring.

"You can feel it starting to happen when the shopping carts start hitting that door stop and you hear that sound, the frequency of that sound," said Harold Smith, assistant manager at the ACME in Northern Liberties.

A fresh shipment of all the essentials just arrived there on Tuesday afternoon.

The fourth nor'easter of the month is expected to bring more snow than originally expected, as 6 to 12 inches is expected to fall across the region.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf activated the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's major storm.

Officials say troops from the Pennsylvania National Guard have been put on State Active Duty to support the local response to today and tomorrow's forecasted winter storm in the southern part of the commonwealth. Up to 425 soldiers will be available for State Active Duty.

"Our National Guard members will assist as needed during this winter storm and PEMA will keep the CRCC activated as needed," said Governor Wolf. "We are very fortunate to have our PA National Guard members living and working in our communities and able to mobilize on short notice to provide help. Their service is vital to our commonwealth, and I thank them and the staff at PEMA for their dedication to helping Pennsylvanians affected by this storm."

 

 

 

 

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