Public Works Department crews today are pretreating the major thoroughfares, bridges, and overpasses because of a forecast for snow, sleet and freezing rain beginning Saturday afternoon and ending by daybreak Monday.

The National Weather Service continues to lower snow totals for Danville, with the latest forecast calling for 0.5 to 3 inches of snow and sleet. However, a shift in the storm track of 25 to 30 miles could bring heavier amounts of snow.

Citizens should monitor the latest forecasts for any changes in track, timing and totals.

Extended power outages

The storm will begin as snow and transition to sleet and freezing rain. Ice accumulation of 0.25 to 0.5 inches is expected in Danville and may lead to widespread power outages.

Danville Utilities warns customers to prepare for extended power outages ahead of the storm. “The ice is more of a concern for us than the snow,” said Jason Grey, director of Danville Utilities. “Ice weighs down lines and trees, and this event will be widespread.”

To prepare, Danville Utilities has increased staffing and resources. Line and tree-trimming crews will work 16-hour shifts and will be supported by four local contract crews. In addition, three line crews from Ohio will arrive today and remain for the duration of the storm.

Frigid temperatures and shelters

This storm also will bring dangerously cold temperatures that will last through most of next week. Daytime temperatures will be in the 20s and overnight lows will fall into the teens. The Temporary Relief & Counseling Center (TRCC) at 625 Shelton St. will operate a 24-hour warming center for any resident or visitor in need of shelter. The House of Hope at 206 South Ridge St. will provide shelter from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. The City of Danville is prepared to open a shelter if necessary.

Snowplow operations

Public Works crews use a mixture of water and salt to create a brine solution to pretreat streets. The water evaporates, leaving the salt behind on the road surface. The salt keeps snow and sleet from bonding on the surface, and it helps to prevent ice from forming.

Residential streets are not pretreated.

When snow accumulations reach more than one inch, Public Works crews will begin a round-the-clock snow removal operation, beginning with the highest traffic volume streets. They will remain on the main thoroughfares until the storm ends.

Jonathan Sharp, division director of streets for the Public Works Department, cautions that the storm is not expected to end until overnight Sunday, so crews will not reach residential streets until Monday.

With sleet and freezing rain and temperatures remaining below freezing, it will be difficult to clear the streets, so crews will spread sand to provide traction.

Closures and cancellations

The James F. Ingram Justice Center (courthouse) and the Danville Commonwealth’s Attorney office will be closed on Monday.