As the City of New Castle awaits several unfulfilled orders of road salt, officials warned residents of a road salt shortage in the area through Facebook posts Thursday. As of Thursday evening, the city stated that it has "approximately 400 tons of salt remaining". 

There are also three outstanding salt orders the city said it is waiting on. Those three unfulfilled orders total to over 1,400 tons of salt.

The online statements from the city advised residents to "park vehicles on one side of the road or in driveways to allow crews adequate access for plowing and treatment."

The city added that the public works department will be prioritizing keeping main roads clear during the inclement weather that is expected to hit the area over the weekend.

In an additional online statement from New Castle Police, the department said that Public Works is attempting to obtain additional road salt but is unsure if it will arrive ahead of the upcoming storm. 

"If the storm arrives Public Works will be out in full, working with whatever resources they have available to clear the roads," New Castle Police stated in their post.

New Castle Mayor Mark Elisco tells 21 News this problem is not just limited to New Castle, but several other western and northwestern Pennsylvania communities.

Mayor Elisco says the city gets its salt from Cargill and is experiencing long wait times and salt shortages due to high demand, which creates a problem with reports of 10 to 14 inches of snow beginning Saturday night and going into Sunday.

"We've told our residents that we've saved some salt and we're going to start salting again on Sunday, but it's mostly going to be on hills, bridges and the main roads," Elisco said.

Elisco emphasized that drivers take their time if they absolutely need to go out and shouldn't be afraid to take alternate routes if necessary.

"Be very careful. Take your time. If you've gotta go through town at 20 miles per hour, that's what you have to do," Elisco said.

21 News spoke Sharon City Manager Bob Fiscus and Hermitage City Manager Gary Hinskon, who both told us they have no concerns about an salt shortage and are prepared for the incoming winter storm.

Neither community uses Cargill for their salt supply, and instead buy their salt under a state contract with a company called Compass Minerals, who do not appear to be affected by the shortage.

The City of New Castle stated that it will continue to share updates on the local road salt supply through Facebook.