The City of Norwalk Department of Public Works is ready for Thursday's storm, however by the time the weather clears Friday morning, resources will be limited.
Director of Public Works Hal Alvord said, "As of right now [Tuesday, February 11th] we have 350 tons of salt in our salt shed to take care of the roads for Thursday's storm."
The Department of Public Works started the season with about 2,500 tons of salt in the shed, but will need more this year. "Each winter is different," said Alvord. "We are going to be over budget," referring to the funds allocated for salt used to treat the roadways.
Alvord said after the remaining 350 tons of salt are used for Thursday's storm, the Department of Public Works is unsure when it will get another delivery of salt - availability is a problem at this point. "It's not just Norwalk. We've talked to seven or eight of our surrounding towns and we are all in the same boat" Alvord said.
Alvord said they have placed serveral calls to their salt suppliers, Cargill and International Salt Co., and have not received responses. "We are now trying to get the State involved. We're trying to make the case that this is an emergency. Maybe the State stepping in will be better than seven or eight cities calling the suppliers."
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire State of Connecticut from Thursday morning through Friday morning, with a 90% chance of precipitation throughout Thursday. Forecast indicate Norwalk could see up to nine inches of snow.
