Coudersport Borough Manager Bev Morris isn’t sure what to believe –– the Old Farmer’s Almanac or caterpillars.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting above-normal snowfall blanketing Western New York southward through the Appalachians this winter. And the myth with woolly bear caterpillars states that the more black and less brown the critters are, the harsher the winter.

“I don’t know which is more reliable,” Morris said.

But what’s known is that the snow will eventually arrive across the four-county region –– nothing is in the immediate forecast –– and that at least some of the municipalities are ready when that time comes.

Coudersport Borough is one of those set for the white stuff to start flying.

Normally, the borough gets around 80 to 100 tons of salt and around 400 tons of cinders, Morris said on Wednesday.

During a snowy day in the borough, two individuals plow at a time.

And, “We have other vehicles we can use in a big event,” Morris said.

In neighboring McKean County, Bradford Township Supervisor Steve Mascho said the municipality has its supply of salt and sand stockpiled.

“Our trucks are geared up. We’re all set. Hopefully we don’t need them,” he said.

But when the snow hits the region, about five trucks are out at a time, and the township workers are out early to make sure of the safety of students and individuals heading to work, Mascho said.

Meanwhile, in Elk County, Johnsonburg Borough Manager Mary Polaski said the municipality has 300 to 400 tons of salt and and 600 tons of anti-skid material.

“We have both of it in stock and ready to go,” she said. In all, the borough has three vehicles and two full-time street employees to handle plowing.

Local municipalities aren’t the only ones getting ready for the onslaught of winter. So is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

“Our residents count on PennDOT to keep them moving regardless of the weather and we take that mission very seriously,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said during a recent news conference at the PennDOT maintenance facility in Norristown, Montgomery County. “We have our materials and equipment in place and our staff of dedicated equipment operators, district-level staff and staff in maintenance and operations are ready to go.”

Statewide, the state has $205 million earmarked for winter operations, and PennDOT deploys about 4,800 on-the-road workers and has more than 768,000 tons of salt on hand across the state.

During severe snowstorms, PennDOT could be dispatched to interstates and expressways. In McKean County, U.S. Route 219 is a heavy focus for plowing, as is West Washington Street.

“The more traffic a roadway has, the more attention it will receive from plows, so motorists may find deeper accumulations on less-traveled routes and should adjust their driving for those conditions,” PennDOT officials said in a press release.

Not only is PennDOT ready for winter, the department also has offered advice for drivers.

Motorists who come across snow- or ice-covered roads should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions.

“Tires should also be checked often for the correct level of air pressure and adequate tire-tread depth to perform on ice and snow,” PennDOT officials said. “A quick way to check tread depth is to insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the entire head, the tires are worn and traction will suffer. If you live in an area prone to heavy snow, drivers may want to consider using dedicated snow tires or carrying a set of tire chains. At a minimum, all-season tires should be rated for use in mud and snow.”

Drivers should also have an emergency kit in the vehicle. Such items can include non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, warm clothes, a blanket, cell phone charger and a small snow shovel.

“However, motorists should tailor their kits to any specific needs that they or their families may have,” PennDOT officials said. “Consider adding such items as baby supplies, extra medication, pet supplies, or even children’s games.”

Those wanting to see the conditions on more than 40,000 road miles can visit the websitewww.511PA.com.