ALBUQUERQUE, NM – The city of Albuquerque is ready for the big winter storm heading toward the metro area.

“We currently have at least twenty of our drivers on standby. Ready to go at any time,” said Dan Mayfield, spokesman for the Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development.

It’s not just drivers. Mayfield says the city has 70 workers and 45 plow trucks ready to clear the city’s streets.

This year, the Public Works Department has a new device that will make roads safer in freezing conditions.

“We now make brine, for those who don’t know: that is salt water. So when you see one of our trucks spraying the roads, we’re not trying to create ice on the roads, we’re trying to prevent ice on the roads,” Mayfield said.

City crews prepare and lay down brine before freezing weather to prevent it from sticking to the roads.

Crews will begin patrols from midnight and, if necessary, will salt the roads first thing in the morning. Bridges and hills are given priority for city crews.

“A winter storm warning is currently in effect until 11am on Friday morning. So we’re really keeping an eye on that right now,” said Kristine Bustos-Mihelcic, NMDOT communications director.

NMDOT crews are already on the road, working 12 hours a day to make sure state highways and highways are safe.

“We really ask motorists to stay off the road. If you don’t have to travel or go on the road, stay off the roads,” Bustos-Mihelcic said.

State and city leaders are asking drivers if you should be on the road to use caution, wear your seat belt and give yourself enough space between the vehicle in front of you so you can stop if necessary.

East Mountain High School will switch to remote learning and Santa Fe Public Schools will have a two-hour delay on Thursday. For the full list, click here.

MORE: