City of Williamsport and area road crew workers and borough officials are asking residents to not only prepare for the cold and snowy weekend, but to avoid travel and get emergency supplies ahead of time to get through the worst of it.

For those plowing the snow off roads, removing vehicles is smart and helpful.

“The best way for the public to assist my crew would be to stay off the roads if possible,” said Scott Livermore, director of the Williamsport Public Works Department.

Asked if the department was prepared, he said the city is “good on its manpower and stocked up on material.”

If the residents and visitors to the city could utilize off-street parking, if they have it, it helps the crew to better clear snow from the roads, Livermore said.

Additionally, do not throw the snow into the street when shoveling or blowing sidewalks because the plow truck will just move it back off the street.

As per Ordinance 733.05 – “No person shall remove snow from any parking lot, sidewalk or driveway and pile the same upon any City street or block any sewer opening or fire hydrant. No person shall place snow removed from the curb area of the street (into the street or travel lane).

No person shall build mounds of snow on traveled portions of the city streets, either.

“Our drivers all have plow routes that they follow, so I would also ask that the public be patient as they work their way through the city,” Livermore said.

So that is, if and when the snow arrives, which forecasters predict will happen starting about midnight Saturday and continue through all of Sunday.

Several boroughs have made announcements ahead of the storm.

Hughesville borough officials kindly asked neighbors to remove vehicles off streets by 9 p.m. Saturday so the plow crew can get through easily beginning late Saturday night, if needed.

Montoursville police and officials reminded everyone there is no parking on the streets of the borough during the storm or while the roads are still being plowed.

For those with a basketball hoop hanging over the streets, pull it back so a plow can safely pass.

Sidewalks will need to be cleared within 24 hours after the end of the snow fall.

On Montour Street, which is a state highway, the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has asked police to tow vehicles left on the street during the storm due to the large plows needing to pass through safely. “We will make every effort to find the owner, though,” police said.

There are plenty of errands to get done before the snow arrives.

Gather supplies: Bottle water, nonperishable food, shovels and ice melt, a manual can opener, diapers and baby items, medications, flashlight and batteries, blankets and pet food. Keep pets inside or in suitable shelter out of air exposure.

Plan ahead: Keep devices charged, plan to stay indoors during the worst of the storm, postpone upcoming travel if possible.

Think about: How you will stay warm if power outages occur. Order or have enough heat and fuel to get through the time when delivery might be halted or impossible.

Make sure there is enough food that won’t spoil should the power be lost and always check on any older or disabled neighbors who might not be able to take care of themselves or follow through on snow removal obligations.