UPDATED 4:55 p.m.: Newton Prepares for Nor'easter

UPDATED 4:55 p.m. with more information from the city.

The city of Newton is keeping extra staff on hand this evening as a nor'easter makes its way through the region. 

According to Public Works Commissioner Dave Turocy, the DPW will have 16 staff members on hand this evening, including 12 sander trucks on the roads looking for icy spots. 

In addition to the sander trucks, two representatives from DPW customer service will be answering calls until 11 p.m.

As for the Parks and Recreation Department, Commissioner Bob DeRubeis told Newton Patch that three bucket trucks and one loader truck will be ready to dispatch and handle any tree maintenance tonight. 

Parks and Recreation will also have a staff member answering phones until 9 p.m. and after that, the forestry superintendent and assistant superintendent will be available to handle calls. 

Earlier this afternoon, the city issued a winter weather advisory stating that the city is expected to get 1-2 inches of rain.

The advisory, which was sent out by both the Police Department and the mayor's office, reminds residents to report all non-emergency issues to the city's customer service line at 617-796-1000 (dial 311 from any Newton land line) or by using the city's online reporting tool. 

All power outages should be reported to NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000. 

And, as always, all emergencies should be reported to 911. 

According to WHDH meteorologist Chris Lambert, the precipitation will likely impact the afternoon and evening commute. Atmospheric conditions may convert falling rain into snow in Boston, though that would mean merely a dusting on grass before quickly melting away. The actual rain/snow line is harder to predict.

The National Weather Service has issued wind and coastal flood advisories ahead of the storm, calling for sustained winds of 20-25 MPH and gusts of 50 MPH. While not as strong as the winds from Sandy, the gusts are enough to cause damage.

The nor'easter comes on the heels of Hurricane Sandy, which roughed up the Newton area Oct. 28-29. Local communities and NSTAR are preparing of the storm.

NSTAR warned that a storm with such strong winds could lead to some power outages, but reported yesterday that it was prepared for the storm.

"The high winds and heavy rain associated with the nor’easter forecasted to affect us beginning on Wednesday could likely result in power outages across our region," read a statement by the utility company. "NSTAR crews, contractors and support personnel will be ready to respond to any damage caused by this storm."