MASSACHUSETTS – When it comes to the first snow of the year, preparation is the priority for Holden's Department of Public Works (DPW).

"Putting the plows on, making sure all the lights work, all the hydraulics on the plows work, all the salter bodies work," said Commissioner John Woodsmall.

While snow amounts can vary based on where you live, Woodsmall said in his community, salting operations begin when the flakes start flying.

"Usually, if you wait until things have gotten coated, you're a little too late," Woodsmall said. "So, we try to get out there before. You try to prevent that snow from forming a ice bond with the pavement."

It's a similar story in Worcester. But preparations in the city are a bit bigger, with more than 500 miles of roads to clear every storm. Interim Commissioner Bob Moylan said the department starts considering plowing after snow totals surpass an inch. 

Their biggest challenge heading into this winter is staffing, and he said it will have an impact on their response.

"We will not get nearly as many pieces as I would like to have," Moylan said. "We'd probably get half of our capability, and half would be 150-range."

Moylan said recruiting and retaining private plow drivers is getting more and more challenging. He also says many are leaving the business due to the difficult nature of the work.

For the first storm of the year, Moylan is expecting some "rust" on the DPW winter operations. His message to drivers who have to be on the road Thursday morning is they can help road crews shake it off.

"Slow down," Moylan urged. "Take your time. Give yourself more time to get there."