OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Heartland got an early taste of winter Tuesday.

The city of Ottumwa is preparing for what the season has in store.

The Public Works garage will be on red alert if a major snow event occurs.

There are close to 1,000 tons of salt and sand in the sheds.

The city has nine plows and three smaller trucks ready to roll for the season and severe weather.

The budget took a hit last winter after going through 17 major snow storms, but Public Information Officer Tom Rodger said all is not lost.

"It depends on the amount of snow we get," Rodger says. "There's adequate funding in the budget to take care of snow and removal. How much we spend depends on the kind of winter we have."

During a major snow storm, snow emergency routes will receive first attention to allow city workers to clear the streets.

Once the snow stops falling, the goal is to have all streets clear within 24 hours.