The head of Wilkes-Barre's Public Works Department is confident that city streets and city sidewalks will be cleared of snow for Sunday's St. Patrick's Day parade, despite a major storm forecast for Saturday.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Friday morning that will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
According to the warning, heavy snow and gusts of 40 mph could occur in northeastern Pennsylvania with an accumulation of 6 to 10 inches.
"If we get a higher amount, it's going to be a big challenge," Operations Director Butch Fratty said. "But we can do it."
Rain in the Wilkes-Barre region will mainly start after 3 a.m., at least around 32 degrees at night. As per the forecast, rain and snow is expected to occur sometime later in the morning, which will turn into snow after 7 am.
Snow can sometimes be heavy, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Travel could prove difficult and areas with snow blowing could significantly reduce visibility, the NWS warned.
Fratty said all 16 of the city's Public Works Department plow and salt trucks would be on the road "throughout the city of Wilkes-Barre, including the parade route" at 6 a.m. Saturday.
"We want to stay ahead of that. There's a chance of rain, hail, and then snow, so if we're not outside when it starts, that could be a problem," Fratty said.
The crew will leave again early Sunday. As for the DPW manpower on parade day, Fratti said he would make the resolution on Saturday. "It will depend on the intensity of the snowfall," he said.
Fratty said the Diamond City Partnership, the city's downtown management organization, will help clear snow from sidewalks along the parade route to make the parade more comfortable for spectators.
And while parade participants should be able to keep their feet dry on clean streets, Mayor George Brown's office requested Friday that they call tryan@wilkes-barre.pa.us or lsanfilippo@wilkes-barre.pa.us Confirm your attendance by email.
Fratty said dealing with a winter storm the day before the city's biggest parade of the year presents an added challenge because city workers are already tasked with preparing for the parade.
But he's not worried.
"I believe our plan will work."