The city of Pittsburgh began deploying 65 snowplow trucks late Saturday ahead of fast-falling snow moving into the region.“We have a lot of people working on this. And, you know, we’ll just tell people, be patient. If you have to go out, drive slow, and then also check on your neighbors,” Mayor Corey O’Connor said.O’Connor said plows will be consistently working through 2 p.m. Sunday.“We are having our garage stay open 24/7 throughout this process. So if there is a mechanical issue, there’s a place where the truck can go,” O’Connor said.City officials said they are coordinating with utility companies in case of power outages, and forestry crews remain on standby for downed trees. O’Connor said his team will operate out of the city’s command center in the City-County Building, something that has not been used in some time.“We have monitors, we have cameras, we have our IT center there, we have public safety. My senior staff will be there, you know, monitoring, taking calls — 311 is going to start operating late, late tonight into tomorrow,” O’Connor said. “So you know we’re extending a lot of hours because this is all hands on deck to help as many people out as we can.”Officials are encouraging residents to be prepared to stay home for up to 72 hours if conditions worsen.“Have a home emergency kit in the case of a power outage,” said Matt Brown, chief of Allegheny County Emergency Services. “Fill that kit with nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies, making sure that your medications are filled.”Officials are also reminding residents to use space heaters safely by avoiding extension cords and to keep generators 10 feet outside their homes.Residents are encouraged to shovel and salt walkways and driveways.“You need a calcium chloride or a magnesium chloride blend. Those work down to minus 10, minus 20 degrees,” said Bob Schroeder from Evey Hardware. “Rock salt will give you a little bit of traction, but it won’t melt the ice.”City officials remind residents to call 311 for snow-related issues and 911 for emergencies. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

The city of Pittsburgh began deploying 65 snowplow trucks late Saturday ahead of fast-falling snow moving into the region.

“We have a lot of people working on this. And, you know, we’ll just tell people, be patient. If you have to go out, drive slow, and then also check on your neighbors,” Mayor Corey O’Connor said.

O’Connor said plows will be consistently working through 2 p.m. Sunday.

“We are having our garage stay open 24/7 throughout this process. So if there is a mechanical issue, there’s a place where the truck can go,” O’Connor said.

City officials said they are coordinating with utility companies in case of power outages, and forestry crews remain on standby for downed trees. O’Connor said his team will operate out of the city’s command center in the City-County Building, something that has not been used in some time.

“We have monitors, we have cameras, we have our IT center there, we have public safety. My senior staff will be there, you know, monitoring, taking calls — 311 is going to start operating late, late tonight into tomorrow,” O’Connor said. “So you know we’re extending a lot of hours because this is all hands on deck to help as many people out as we can.”

Officials are encouraging residents to be prepared to stay home for up to 72 hours if conditions worsen.

“Have a home emergency kit in the case of a power outage,” said Matt Brown, chief of Allegheny County Emergency Services. “Fill that kit with nonperishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies, making sure that your medications are filled.”

Officials are also reminding residents to use space heaters safely by avoiding extension cords and to keep generators 10 feet outside their homes.

Residents are encouraged to shovel and salt walkways and driveways.

“You need a calcium chloride or a magnesium chloride blend. Those work down to minus 10, minus 20 degrees,” said Bob Schroeder from Evey Hardware. “Rock salt will give you a little bit of traction, but it won’t melt the ice.”

City officials remind residents to call 311 for snow-related issues and 911 for emergencies.

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