AKRON, Ohio — There are clear skies and roadways throughout most of Northeast Ohio tonight but by Wednesday morning, that's all subject to change.
With one of the most aggressive winter storms the state has seen in over twenty years, Akron-Canton city workers and first responders are preparing for the worst but with all hands on deck.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is ready to put all of their plows to work.
Ray Marsch with ODOT District 4 tells 3News all of their trucks and full staff will be ready saying, "We have full-time employees that are working and we have seasonal employees that we hire in to help, but we're going to have nearly 50 trucks at all times to help during the storm between Summit and Stark counties."
Weather forecasts show dozens of inches of rain, ice and snow expected. ODOT says, roads in Akron and Canton are going to be a challenge.
"The thing is we don't know how this storm is going to come right now, it's covering such a large area portion of Ohio," Marsch said.
The Akron Fire Department will also be on-call and prepared to jump in whenever needed.
Lieutenant Sierjie Lash with the Akron Fire Department recognizes the significant role first responders play in major weather events like this.
"Essential employees even during the pandemic and especially during a snow storm, we have to show up. A lot of businesses and schools will be closed for the day because of the weather. If you don't have to go out, don't go out but we will respond," said Lash.
Inspector Bill Holland with Summit County Sheriff's Office said what's important is working together as a community.
"It's a team effort between law enforcement and city services getting the roads cleared and for the public as well," said Holland.
"We want everybody to be safe but we know that takes everybody working together."
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