Despite Uncertain Forecast, Newton DPW Crews Prepping for Weekend Storm

Although the forecast is still a toss-up, Newton public works crews are still prepping for this weekend's potential snow storm.

"We are getting ready for it and getting equipment ready," said Department of Public Works Commissioner Dave Turocy. "We've taken the last two weeks to recover from the big blizzard and this week we've been able to replenish our salt and fuel supplies." 

As of Friday morning, Most meteorologists are putting that line at the Mass Pike, with communities north of the highway receiving 6 to 12 inches. The city of Boston and communities south of the Pike are expected to get 3 to 6 inches.

Although several of the department's trucks and backhoes are still in the shop from the blizzard, Turocy said the city is "in good shape" for this weekend. 

Turocy said crews are also clearing up a few additional snow removal areas in the city, including space behind the Carr School (Newton Cultural Center) and the parking lot along Nahanton Street. 

These two snow dumping sites are in addition to a handful of other sites the city already used during the blizzard two weeks ago.

This is the third weekend in a row the region has seen snowfall, and just two weeks after one of the largest storms in recent history.

That storm -- the Blizzard of 2013 -- cost the city around $1.6 million, Turocy said, $300,000 of which was snow removal alone. 

Turocy said the city budgets $1 million for snow, with another $1.5 million in a reserve account. On Monday, Feb. 25 Turocy will head to the Finance Committee to seek approval to withdraw some of that reserve money. The Public Facilities Committee approved the transfer on Wednesday, according to city documents.