ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville Public Works crews are working hard to prepare for the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to arrive on January 10 and bring snow to Western North Carolina.

After Helene caused devastating damage over three months ago, crews are having to deal with different circumstances this year.

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Construction workers said they had 3,000 tons of salt, about a third of which they would use for this storm. Teams prepare 30 trucks with plows and spreaders and make sure everything is in order.

They plan to pre-treat the roads with a saline solution on January 9th. This leaves a thin layer of salt behind to delay ice formation.

Chad Bandy, Asheville Street department manager, said about 60 people will be working around the clock. Because of the turnaround and lack of significant snowfall, it will be a new experience for some, he said.

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“Every year we try to do some training before the snow. “It was a little different this year because of Helene, but it helps to get people in the trucks,” he said. “We’ve had a few small events where they’ve been out, but it’s always interesting. “This is the first significant event for new riders.”

Bandy said Helene left debris on the road that could prevent snowmelt from running off the roads after the storm. This debris also makes it difficult for crews to navigate some roads and could complicate treatment plans.

Officials are urging motorists in the Asheville area to stay home during the storm if possible and to give their trucks room to work by parking the vehicles in driveways instead of on the street.