Mechanic Falls Public Works employee Andy Coleman, left, waits as driver John Rowe inches his truck forward so he can attach a plow blade Tuesday morning in the lot behind the public works garage. At right, Scott Penney signals Rowe to stop. Crews from all around the area were preparing for the first snowfall of the year, expected Wednesday. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

AUBURN — Twin Cities public works departments were geared up, loaded and ready to go ahead of the expected snowstorm Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Lewiston and Auburn area is expected to get about an inch of snow Tuesday evening and a freezing rain and snow mixture into Wednesday with accumulations under an inch.

Auburn Public Works Deputy Director Scott Holland and Lewiston Highway Operations Manager Reggie Poussard said their respective departments were preparing throughout the day Tuesday, and did not expect any surprises the trucks and drivers would not be able handle.

“We’re ready to go,” said Poussard. “Making sure trucks are topped off, getting everything fine-tuned for tonight.”

The only message both cities’ departments have for their communities is this: drive slow, drive carefully, make sure your vehicles are snow-ready and leave lots of space for the plows.

“And be patient with us,” said Holland. “We’re business as usual right now and we’ll get the job done.”

Poussard and Holland said their departments are still actively recruiting to fill some vacant positions, but neither expect that to affect the efficacy of their teams’ work.

“We’re just going to keep our eyes open and take whatever we get, and do the best job we can to keep the city going,” Poussard said.

Mechanic Falls Public Works employees John Rowe, left, and Andy Coleman attach a plow blade to a truck Tuesday morning behind the public works garage. Crews from all around the area were preparing for the first snowfall of the year, expected Wednesday. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal