The latest winter storm set to hit New England is now forecast to drop between 1 and inches of snow across parts of the Springfield area starting early Tuesday, with lesser totals in Franklin and Berkshire counties.
This is a significant change from previous forecasts for the storm, which called for a greater impact on western Massachusetts.
But the National Weather Service was still warning of slippery road conditions during the morning and evening commutes Tuesday.
On Monday, Springfield was getting ready for the storm, being one of the first cities in western Massachusetts to announce city building closures for Tuesday, including schools.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said he wanted to announce the cancellations early.
"We made the announcement earlier this morning, Superintendent Dan Warwick and I, about schools being canceled so parents can prepare. Also trash will not be picked up. They'll have a separate day for that, and City Hall will be closed," he said.
Department of Public Works Director Chris Cignoli said crews were out Monday pre-treating roads. There was much criticism over the department's clean-up efforts after a big storm in January.
Cignoli said due to a shortage of plow drivers, both contractors and staffers, he has about the same number lined up as the last storm.
"We are at about 100 plows that we have for contractors, that hasn't changed," he said. "So I expect about 85 and 90 of those will be available for the storm and show up," he said.
Cignoli said ultimately, he'd like to have closer to 150 plows, but neighboring communities are all battling for the same dwindling number of contract drivers.
Sarno added that this problem is not unique to the city.
"Every mayor is facing this. We have a ton of miles here in the city of Springfield and well over thousands of street that we have to traverse and get plowed," he said.
He said the city is prepared, but the reduced number of plows will require patience.
"I urge the patient patience of the public and the business community... all hands are on deck. Whatever you (DPW) need to do, whatever needs to be done, let's get it done," Sarno said.
While some may be dreading the weather, Springfield resident Vanessa Schiavioni said she's excited about the incoming snow.
"New England is all really about snow and it would be nice to have a little snow because I already feel like the spring is coming... bring it one last time, a little snow, make a little snow man. Have some fun in the snow," she said.
The storm is expected to end around 7 on Tuesday night.
NEPM reporters Jill Kaufman and Charlize Hernandez contributed to this report.
