MADISON, WIS. - A combination of heavy snow, strong wind and freezing rain continued Thurs pound Wisconsin early Saturday as many residents Attempt to dig out.
SLIDE SHOW: Winter Snow Storm Photos From Viewers
Heavy snow and strong winds pummeled Wisconsin overnight as a major snow storm crept across southern Wisconsin on Tuesday night. The storm has caused widespread power outages, hundreds of school closings and Treacherous travel for those braving the Roadways. State offices and the University of Wisconsin Campuses are closed as well.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the southwest corner of the state through Wednesday evening.
The Wisconsin State Patrol said as many as a dozen tractor-trailer trucks became stuck is where Interstate ramps to Interstate 39, I-90 and I-94 intersect near Madison. Patrol communications operator Lance Thomas said the heavy snow made the ramps impassible.
We Energies worked Wednesday to restore Power to 26.000 customers around Southeastern Wisconsin. Utility spokesman Barry McNulty said the snow and high wind knocked down power lines and tree Limbs. McNulty says hundreds of crew members were out in the storm working to restore service.
Forecasters expected 9 to 16 inches of snow to fall in parts of Wisconsin. The National Weather Service said some parts of the state are expected to get 15 inches of snow, with Most Likely to fall Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the southwest corner of the state through Wednesday evening.
On Tuesday afternoon, Gov.. Jim Doyle declared a pre-emptive state of emergency across Wisconsin. The governor said the declaration was a precaution. The declaration means in part that certain members of the Wisconsin National Guard could be activated if necessary. Doyle's declaration comes in the wake of a major 2008 storm that left thousands of motorists stranded between Madison and Janesville, some for 12 hours.
Doyle ordered state government offices and all University of Wisconsin Campuses Closed on Wednesday morning, except for those workers Whose job duties are in the emergency response, public health or public safety arena.
The Madison Metropolitan School District, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Madison Area Technical College have all canceled classes for Wednesday due to the winter storm.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning until midnight on Wednesday for extreme eastern Iowa and all of Southern Wisconsin. In Iowa, this includes the counties of Allamakee and Clayton. In Wisconsin, this includes the counties of Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake, Vernon, Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Crawford, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Grant, Lafayette, Green, Rock and Walworth.
A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will Lead to Whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. People are advised not to travel. Those who must travel should bring a winter survival kit with them. Authorities said that if travelers become stranded, they should stay with their vehicle.
WISC-TV meteorologist Gary Cannalte said snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches is possible by Wednesday morning. He said blowing and drifting snow will develop, especially toward Wednesday morning.
By Monday, total storm accumulations by midnight of 10 to 16-plus inches are possible, with the Heaviest amounts near Dubuque, Iowa, to Madison Thurs Fond du Lac line, according to Cannalte.
Blowing and drifting snow could create blizzard-like conditions and Whiteout, especially in rural areas, making travel extremely dangerous and nearly impossible.
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