Meteorologists are warning of winter weather this weekend, and while cities and smaller towns prepare across upstate New York, some are low on one crucial tool to combat ice – rock salt. Some municipalities are, however, finding workarounds ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl.

“I don’t necessarily think this year has been any different than last year,” said Kevin Hajos, president of the New York State Highway Superintendents’ Association.

But road crews across the state say finding rock salt has become a challenge. Hajos says communities in the western part of the state are having the toughest time.

“Typically, they’re supposed to be able to get their salt from American Rock Salt within two to three days max,” he said. “Some of them said over 14 days, they still haven’t seen salt yet.”

American Rock Salt in Livingston County is the self-proclaimed largest producing salt mine in the world. The company released a statement earlier this week acknowledging supply shortages and attributed the “historic demand” to a long stretch of stormy, cold weather.

The statement read in part, “In 2024 American Rock Salt shipped 1.8 million tons of salt for the entirety of the winter season; this winter through January 2025 alone we have already shipped over 2.1 million tons of salt.”

Dozens of trucks from across the state could be seen rolling into the Port of Coeymans Friday after the state’s Office of General Services approved municipalities to seek alternatives.

“The email has stated that you can go somewhere else to buy that salt,” Hajos said. “And there should be a billing to American Rock Salt for the extra that you may have to pay.”

Some local governments have issued emergency declarations. In Rensselaer County, Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello says salt deliveries have been canceled, and the city’s reserve is greatly diminished.

Hajos is the superintendent of public works in Warren County. He said the supply there is decent as treated salt is the product of choice.

“Several towns have asked me now if they could use or borrow some of our salt,” he said.

He hopes things level off soon but in the meantime, encourages drivers to be mindful of road conditions with more snow in the forecast.

“We’re going to make sure we maintain our roads because that is our role,” he said. “But if we don’t have our supplies, certainly take that into account when you’re out there on the roads.”