Nasty. Windy. Wet. Snowy.
Those words can sum up what the weather will be like this weekend for Putnam County, and the Putnam County Highway Department will be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings this weekend. 

Jim Peck, Putnam County Highway Engineer, said the storm will come in as rain first and then transition to snow.

"The County Highway Department is prepared for a potential accumulating snow event," Peck told The Putnam County Post. 

With that said, Peck acknowledged the weather could play an impact in how his department keeps the roads clear. 
With both rain and wind in the forecast, things could be tricky. 

"With the weather system dropping an inch to an inch and a half of rain, spreading salt/sand mixture now will just wash away. The storm transition to high winds will help dry the roads, however, drifting snow will block north/south roads. The Department will start spreading salt/sand mixture at 5 a.m. Saturday morning," Peck said. 

Peck said his recommendation is for residents to stay off the roads once the storm transitions to snow, allowing his department an opportunity to get out and treat the roads. 
In addition, he said residents should ensure their vehicles are ready for the extreme temperature drop associated with this storm.

"Residents should equip their vehicles just in case of a breakdown. The extreme temperature will put stress on vehicle batteries," Peck said. 

As for how the extreme temperatures will impact the Highway Department, Peck said the department's dump trucks are equipped with engine block heater so there will be no impact to equipment. 
However, there will be an impact to the salt/sand mixture. 

"The extreme low temperatures will make the salt in the mixture ineffective. Residents should use extreme caution when driving on the roads next week," Peck said.