MADISON, Wis. -- The first big storm of the season is blasting in Wisconsin, dumping ice and snow on roads, causing motorists to skid on the state's highways and canceling dozens of flights.

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Snow started falling Saturday afternoon across much of south-central Wisconsin. Federal forecasters said it's the first major winter storm of the season. They recommended that people limit their travel and use extra caution even when shoveling because freezing rain will make the snow heavy.

The outlook was so bleak that even meteorologists were postponing their own events. The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department delayed its annual Solstice Party, which was set for Saturday. Instead, it'll be held in February. Department chairman Jonathan Martin said this weather is the most treacherous system that weather can bring.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for all of southern Wisconsin until 6 a.m. Sunday.

A winter storm warning means that significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected. Strong winds with gusts to 30 mph are also expected, which will further reduce visibilities. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible, especially Saturday evening, authorities said.

Snow developed Saturday morning and spread across the state, falling heavily at times, Saturday afternoon. Some sleet and freezing rain began mixing with snow in the afternoon and will continue into Saturday night, according to WISC-TV meteorologist Haddie McLean. The high temperature for Saturday is 30 degrees.

Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are expected by Saturday evening, with nearly 6 to 8 inches predicted north of the Wisconsin Dells.

A significant amount of ice is expected to accumulate on top of the snow in southern Wisconsin by late Saturday night. McLean said widespread ice accumulations of ¼ to ½ an inch or more could fall on top of the snow.

Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly with the onset of the accumulating snow and might become nearly impossible with the freezing rain during Saturday evening. Ice accumulations will end as temperatures rise above freezing late Saturday night, but residual ice on roadways and structures will likely persist through at least early Sunday morning.

Ice accumulations might cause considerable tree and power line damage with widespread power outages.

Sunday's forecast is mostly cloudy, windy, and turning colder with rain, sleet and freezing rain changing to light snow or flurries. Daytime temperatures will reach only 36 degrees, but will fall to around 30 by late afternoon, McLean said.

Madison Declares Snow Emergency

Madison city officials declared a snow emergency on Saturday evening. The declaration means alternate side of the street parking regulations are in effect. They said those park on the street Saturday night should park on the even side of the street. Those who must park on the street on Sunday evening should park on the odd side.

The emergency will continue through Monday morning, officials said.

Winter Storm Cancels Flights

The mix of snow and ice was causing problems at airports Saturday. Transportation Security Administration officials said that many flights were canceled Saturday, and that airline travelers should call ahead to check their flights.

An incident at Dane County Regional Airport closed the airport for about an hour Saturday. Around 11:15 a.m., United Express flight 725B from Chicago slipped on the runway during landing, WISC-TV reported. Fire and rescue crews responded, but no injuries were reported.

An airport spokeswoman said the airport reopened at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

Accumulations of 6 to 16 inches of snow were forecast in parts of Minnesota. Much of Iowa has been hit with snow, sleet and freezing rain. Officials said they decided to close Des Moines International Airport after a United Airlines plane slid off a taxiway as it was heading to a runway to take off on a flight to Chicago's O'Hare. None of the 44 passengers on board were injured.

Because of the storm, Northwest Airlines said passengers flying this weekend can rebook for a different date without penalty. The change applies to passengers flying to, from, or through Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan on Saturday or Sunday. Passengers can rebook their travel through Dec. 4.

Learn About Area Cancellations, Closings

Note: For those who want to submit school closings, delays or cancellation information, please do so through normal means. For those who want to post other types of event cancellations, email them. Please include all relevant information. A phone number is required should we need to confirm the information.

MADISON AREA

Deer Park Buddhist Center Sunday morning sessions canceled for Dec. 2, 2007.
"The Loft" 827 E. Washington, Madison. Benefit Concert with Natty Nation for Briar Patch canceled. To be rescheduled for a later time.
High Point Church, 7702 Old Sauk Road, Madison: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Christmas Cantata. As of 2:00 p.m on Saturday., Saturday afternoon and evening performances have been cancelled. More info at http://web.mac.com/johngeorgeson/Cantata/Home.html.
MadCAP has canceled the 4 p.m. performance of Madeline's Christmas on Dec. 1. Please call 251-1879 or e-mail kjerstie@madcap.org to make ticket arrangements for other shows.
Oregon Straw Hat Players Theatre, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m. performance of "Mulan Jr." has been canceled.
Metro Believers Church, 10:00 a.m. service canceled for Sunday.
St. James Lutheran Church in Verona -- Canceling 5:00 p.m. services for Dec. 1.
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Monona. The Christmas Concert for Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. is canceled and will be rescheduled. The second scheduled performance of the concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. will be held as scheduled.
The UW HIV Clinic's World AIDS Day "Faith Forum" at Olbrich Gardens, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1, has been postponed. Organizers will be setting a new date for some time after the first of the year.
Verona Area Performing Arts Series Presenting Christine Labin, concert has been moved to Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
West Middleton Lutheran Church canceled the 5:30 p.m. service on Dec. 1.
The Zimbrick Holiday Party at the Marriott scheduled for Dec. 1 has been canceled.

BARABOO

Frank Sinatra, Jr. was scheduled to appear here at the Ho-Chunk Casino's ballroom on Sunday, Dec. 3, but the show is rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16. Ticket will be honored from the Dec. 3 show for the rescheduled performance.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, all Sunday services and Sunday school classes canceled.

Our Savior Lutheran Church has canceled Sunday worship and Sunday school.

BROOKLYN

Services at Brooklyn Lutheran Church are canceled for Sunday.

COLUMBUS

St. Jerome, Columbus. Religious Education classes canceled for Sunday.

EVANSVILLE

The Evansville High School Madrigal Dinner scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, has been postponed to Saturday, Dec. 8, at the same time and place.

DARLINGTON

The Darlington Christmas Parade scheduled for the evening of Dec. 1 has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m.

DEERFIELD

Waterloo at Deerfield boys high school basketball has been canceled.

DODGEVILLE

Sunday worship and classes are canceled at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Dodgeville.

HAZEL GREEN

The Hazel Green Community Choir concert set for 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 is canceled due to inclement weather. Tickets for Saturday's show will be honored at the Sunday program at 7 p.m.

JANESVILLE

Janesville Performing Arts Center has canceled the 7:30 p.m. Choral Union Concert Performance.

LAKE MILLS

St. Paul's Lutheran Church. 7:30 pm Saturday night service canceled.

MONTELLO

The Montello School District's Madrigal performance scheduled for Saturday night, Dec. 1, has been canceled and rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 2, at noon.

MONONA

Monona Lutheran Church has canceled Sunday services Cancelled for Sunday, Dec. 2.

MOUNT HOREB

The Mount Horeb Sons of Norway Christmas party, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1, has been canceled.

PORTAGE

Best Friends of South Central Wisconsin's annual Spaghetti Dinner at St. Mary's in Portage has been canceled.

POYNETTE

Poynette Presbyterian Church. The Ecumenical Choir Concert scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Poynette Presbyterian Church has been cancelled and rescheduled for next Sunday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m.

SAUK PRAIRIE

High school boy's varsity game for Dec. 1 featuring Sauk Prairie hosting Verona at 7 p.m. has been canceled. A make-up date has not yet been arranged.

WAUNAKEE

The Waunakee High School FBLA Night at the Bucks, scheduled for Dec. 1, has been postponed to a later date.

WISCONSIN DELLS

Tanger Outlit Center closed for the evening of Dec. 1.

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