PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Road crews are not letting the recent mild weather prevent them from making preparations for the winter weather expected to start tonight.

The predicted sudden drop in temperature is motivating PennDOT to start salting roads tonight into tomorrow morning.

Ice is the biggest concern, says Rob Kaczorowski, the Director of Pittsburgh Public Works. Not only does it cause injuries from slippery sidewalks and steps, but most accidents occur on the road where people mistake ice for wetness.

The American Red Cross has also issued its first emergency warning of the season. Lauren Chapman of the Red Cross recommends to keep a fully charged cell phone with you when driving and to have a disaster supplies kit in your car in the case of an emergency.

Jim Struzzi of PennDOT advises drivers to pay close attention to bridges and ramps when driving late tonight.

“If you’re traveling along on an interstate and you take an off-ramp, which is typically an elevated ramp, be careful and slow down, because there could be conditions on the ramps or bridges that are different from the roadway itself.”

If you must travel late tonight, PennDOT and the Red Cross recommend letting a family member know the routes you are going to take.

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