CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Champaign has been preparing for this weather for months. 

Salt trucks and plows took to the streets on Sunday to make sure people stayed safe in the snow.

The City’s Public Works Department started the process back in October checking plows and going over routes for snow removal. Public Information Officer Kris Koester said staff have been working back-to-back 12-hour shifts to clear roadways.

Their response is ever-changing as conditions vary around the City.

“As the forecast changes, or as the forecast moves along, the weather moves along, we’ll continue to update our resources to be out on the streets making sure the roads are as passable as possible while it’s snowing,” Koester said. 

He knows it’s not realistic for everyone, but he hopes many stay inside as road conditions may cause accidents and slower travel times. 

“We encourage [people to stay home] just for the safety of those folks, as well as give us the ability to keep the roads clear,” Koester said. “Obviously people don’t always have the luxury of staying home, so if you are out travelling, definitely give yourself some extra time. The roads are not clear, they’re not bare pavement.”

He said if people are out and about, they should increase their following distance behind other cars. That’s especially important for plows in case they have to make sudden turns or stops.