DPW crews treated Rockland County roads ahead of the snowfall Monday in a bid to lessen its impact on the evening commute.

The Orangetown Highway Department is one of many public works and highway departments that are pre-treating roads with brine. The solution inhibits ice formation and makes it easier to keep roads clean once the storm moves in, according to officials. 

"It gives us about two extra hours, three extra hours where cars can manipulate the roads," says Joe Antonutti, of the Orangetown Highway Department.

Antonutti, who has been clearing Orangetown streets for over 30 years, says the timing of spraying the brine is important. 

"We try to get out a couple of hours before, because if you get it out too early, the cars will just drive it right off. So like no more than 24 hours ahead," he says.

Highway department officials say conditions were expected to get worse later during the evening.