It’s all hands on deck in the city of Pittsburgh, according to Mayor Corey O’Connor. The Steel City’s new mayor outlined the current plan for the first major snowstorm that is expected to blanket the area. All of Western Pennsylvania is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, with the Pittsburgh area set to see up to 12 inches of snow this weekend.To see the latest forecast, click here. “Our staff has been preparing for the last few days,” O’Connor said during Friday’s press conference. “The priority this weekend is the safety of residents, crews and first responders.”Full Press Conference in the Video Player Below.Preparing for the worstThe mayor stressed safety of it’s residents, reminding people to check on their relatives and friends during this weekend’s major storm. The city has 8,000 tons of salt, which O’Connor said he believes is sufficient amount to take care of the city. Even with the large amount of salt at the ready, the mayor said another delivery is on the way. “We are expecting the worst, and we should always expect something like that,” O’Connor said. That expecting the worst includes being prepared to declare a state of emergency if needed, according to O’Connor. A snow operations office will be staffed by DPW, along with the Mayor’s Office and staff. A website is being set up for snow response and updates. That information will be provided here. Keeping streets clear during the stormForty trucks are currently down in the city. On Thursday, O’Connor said he was performing workarounds to ensure city streets are plowed in spite of a depleted Public Works fleet.About 25% of Public Works vehicles are out of service, according to City Council member Anthony Coghill.”Mayor O’Connor does not have a magic wand. He can’t put those, however many, 30 or so vehicles that are out of service for just snow removal back on the road tomorrow,” Coghill said.O’Connor said he is taking other measures to boost the number of trucks on the road.”When we had a little downtime, we were training some more drivers, which is helpful. We’re trying to fit about 18 Parks Department trucks with new equipment so that they can be utilized on our streets,” O’Connor said.City garage will stay open all weekend to service any trucks that break down.This article will be updated once the press conference begins. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

It’s all hands on deck in the city of Pittsburgh, according to Mayor Corey O’Connor. The Steel City’s new mayor outlined the current plan for the first major snowstorm that is expected to blanket the area.

All of Western Pennsylvania is currently under a Winter Storm Warning, with the Pittsburgh area set to see up to 12 inches of snow this weekend.

To see the latest forecast, click here.

“Our staff has been preparing for the last few days,” O’Connor said during Friday’s press conference. “The priority this weekend is the safety of residents, crews and first responders.”

Full Press Conference in the Video Player Below.

Preparing for the worst

The mayor stressed safety of it’s residents, reminding people to check on their relatives and friends during this weekend’s major storm.

The city has 8,000 tons of salt, which O’Connor said he believes is sufficient amount to take care of the city. Even with the large amount of salt at the ready, the mayor said another delivery is on the way.

“We are expecting the worst, and we should always expect something like that,” O’Connor said.

That expecting the worst includes being prepared to declare a state of emergency if needed, according to O’Connor.

A snow operations office will be staffed by DPW, along with the Mayor’s Office and staff. A website is being set up for snow response and updates. That information will be provided here.

Keeping streets clear during the storm

Forty trucks are currently down in the city.

On Thursday, O‘Connor said he was performing workarounds to ensure city streets are plowed in spite of a depleted Public Works fleet.

About 25% of Public Works vehicles are out of service, according to City Council member Anthony Coghill.

“Mayor O’Connor does not have a magic wand. He can’t put those, however many, 30 or so vehicles that are out of service for just snow removal back on the road tomorrow,” Coghill said.

O’Connor said he is taking other measures to boost the number of trucks on the road.

“When we had a little downtime, we were training some more drivers, which is helpful. We’re trying to fit about 18 Parks Department trucks with new equipment so that they can be utilized on our streets,” O’Connor said.

City garage will stay open all weekend to service any trucks that break down.

This article will be updated once the press conference begins.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.