The town of Fairfield is getting ready as forecasters expect the season's first major snowstorm Wednesday.

The town's Department of Public Works spent Tuesday loading tons of sand and salt onto trucks. Crews were also inspecting the vehicles' plows and filling the trucks with fuel. The department says about 300 miles of town roads must be cleared.

Hardware stores, including Hemlock Hardware in Fairfield, are also ready for the crowds of people looking to buy shovels, salt and ice scrapers. Owner Scott Pesavento says Tuesday was very busy, but he's expecting a much bigger crowd Wednesday. Pesavento says they are prepared and are expecting a large shipment of ice melt Wednesday morning.

The forecast calls for up to 6 inches of snow in southwestern Connecticut by the end of Wednesday evening.