WORCESTER, Mass. — Worcester DPW crews are responding to the high winds and heavy rain, and advising residents to take precautions.

As Friday’s weather gives way to freezing temperatures and icy conditions, crews began treating roads as soon as the rain stopped to prevent them from freezing and creating hazardous conditions.

Drivers are urged to use caution and patience to allow crews to work.

“People need to recognize that as that temperature drops they got to be really careful of what that road surface looks like” said DPW Commissioner, Jay Fink. “There may be enough wind that blows a fair amount of the roadway dry, sort of like a hair dryer if you will, but you can’t count on that. We’re not going to count on that. We’re aiming to treat every road that we can, just to make sure that the folks are safe.”

The city is reminding people to avoid any downed power lines, look out for fallen tree branches and other debris in sidewalks and roadways, and bringing recycling bins, trash barrels, and other loose items indoors.