A major winter storm plowed across the southern part of the state and dumped 13.3 inches of snow on Madison by Wednesday evening.

WISC-TV reporter Jessica Arp and photojournalist Jeremy Nichols braved the storm Wednesday and blogged about what they saw and heard in the streets around Madison.

SLIDESHOW: See Photos Of Wednesday's Snowstorm | SLIDESHOW: Examine Snowstorm Images Of Downtown Madison |
SLIDESHOW: See Viewers' Photos Of Wednesday's Snowstorm (Vol. 1)

7:16 p.m.

What a day it has been. We made our way back to the west side in the last half hour and although the main thoroughfares are pretty clean, the side streets are a disaster. The radio is full of all the folks on the interstate calling in as well. This turned out to be even more of a storm than I think any of us had imagined.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From State Capitol (6 P.M.)

I'm on my way home now for the night-- thanks for keeping up with us today and we hope we kept you somewhat informed. Hope you're all warm, dry and safe -- make sure to check Channel3000.com tonight and into tomorrow for event cancellations and school closings so you don't go out if you don't have to!

5:35 p.m.

The snow has let up some at least, and we can finally see down State Street for a couple blocks now, which seems really stunning to realize what the visibility was just an hour ago. Metro busses are still stuck on these blocks, but the crews have been coming by to get them out little by little.

We're hearing a lot about how many people are now stuck in different areas, and how dangerous things still are though because of the wind. I'll testify, it's still very windy and cold outside so blowing and drifting is going to be an issue.

But for now, at least you can walk upright and not have to shield your face from blinding snow. Dane County and city of Madison plows continue to be out, but best advice: Stay home or get home. Catch up on your TiVo.

4:40 p.m.

Madison has declared a snow emergency in the city, and in case you aren't familiar with what that means, I'll give you a rundown because I'm being told it's going to be strictly enforced tonight. When they declare this, alternate side parking rules go into effect.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From Downtown (4 P.M.)

Tonight, it would be best if you could get completely off the street to allow plows to get roads cleared, but if you can't, you'l'l need to park on the ODD side of the street. The city is allowing people to park for free in city parking ramps from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Thursday. The snow emergency will stay in effect until at least 7 a.m. on Friday, so you'll need to park on the EVEN side of the street Thursday night.

The reason this is all important? The penalties. Violating this can first result in a fine, which can be hefty. But more importantly tonight, vehicles may be TOWED immediately in areas where you're violating the restrictions, and you're responsible for the costs. So if you're getting home or heading home tonight, make sure you park where you're not going to cause trouble.

3:40 p.m.

You know its bad when the pizza deliveries start getting affected. We stopped at Ian's on State Street for a quick bite. They haven't stopped delivering but are considering it. And those guys will usually travel through anything.

3:24 p.m.

The sights down here keep getting more interesting. Two Metro buses were stuck in the length of a block, and many riders were telling me they saw the same problems up and down East Washington Avenue as well. The bus shelters are packed, probably a lot of people deciding to give up on work for the day.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From State Street (3 P.M.)

On the lighter side, check out the photos once again. A family decided to ski and sled down the steps of the Capitol, which I can tell you from running up there to take the pictures, is easy to do. You basically can't even see the steps and it looks like one huge snowdrift. I guess we should remember that there are some folks out there who are liking this snowstorm. I sure hope you're all having fun!

2:50 p.m.

Once again, the downtown is the best place to people-watch, even during a snowstorm. Most people venturing out today look as if they're prepared for the artic, or a ski trip down a very snowy mountain. Check out the photo gallery, one guy I saw was even wearing ski goggles, which after doing live shots in the snow all afternoon actually seems like a great idea.

We're at the top of State Street, where a Metro bus actually seems to be stuck on the incline. Wouldn't be the first time someone got stuck on an uphill slope down here today.

1:59 p.m.

We just saw someone on a bike downtown on the square. Welcome to Madison.

1:55 p.m.

Conditions out here have gotten decidedly worse. The downtown area, to put it nicely, is a mess. Any side street is a disaster. Our live van got stuck for a while this afternoon on Henry Street -- which caused us to miss our 2 p.m. live shot -- along with about two other trucks and two cars. Some very nice guys from the Gyro restaurant helped push and good Samaritans with a four-wheel drive pulled us out. Thank God people are nice when the weather is crappy!

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From UW Campus (1 P.M.)

Just drove up by the City-County building, and there are huge piles of snow everywhere. Plows are still doing their best to clear main roads, but Streets Superintendent Al Schumacher says its getting increasingly difficult to keep up. They plan to be doubled up on routes until about 3 p.m., when they're bringing in outside contractors and will begin plowing all city streets with about 165 pieces of eqiupment. The city has declared a snow emergency so the plows can actually clear streets. They usually ticket, but you better take it all seriously this time, because they're planning to tow immediately in areas where snow really needs to be moved.

If you haven't heeded it yet, stay home or get home now. You don't want to be out in this.

12:35 p.m.

We just got down to campus and you'd probably think this is the only place in the city actually running today. There are plenty of bundled-up students venturing out to class. We even saw one girl with an umbrella to shield the snow. Finding a snowplowed street around here is a challenge, and from the top of Bascom Hill, you can't see the bottom. The Physical Plant, I'm told, is out salting and sanding sidewalks to make areas passable for those who need to get around.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From St. Thomas Aquinas (12 P.M.)

Classes are still underway here, the university hasn't canceled, although they told students and staff if they felt unsafe venturing out, they needed to make arrangements to miss class. The provost would make the call to cancel, and UW Communications staff told me this afternoon they don't anticipate closing down.

They've only shut down twice in recent memory. In December 1990 for 17 inches of snow and in February 2006 for severe winter conditions. I'm a proud UW alum, but these are one of those days you wonder why you went to college in Wisconsin.

11:30 a.m.

Today's storm also falls on Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season for some religions. Many churches hold services numerous times throughout the day on Ash Wednesday, and obviously this weather is throwing a wrench into some of those plans. We just arrived at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Madison's West Side, which is continuing to hold masses today. The Rev. Don Heiar said at the 8:30 a.m. mass there were about 70 in attendance, and usually that mass draws about 350 people.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From Hilldale Mall (11 A.M.)

They'll hold one at 12:10pm and 6:30pm today as well, and said they didn't cancel because they were afraid some wouldn't get the message and didn't want to turn anyone away if they showed up.

There are many churches that have completely cancelled or postponed their Ash Wednesday services all across our area. Check the cancellations part of Channel3000.com to see if your church is among them, or call ahead before you risk life and limb on these roads.

10:30 a.m.

I'm hearing strains of "you spin me right round, baby" as we hit every stoplight around here. The roads aren't too deep in snow on the main roads thanks to city plows, but it sure is slick underneath. Every time we stop and go, it's a battle not to go sideways. We're over near University Avenue and Midvale right now, and there's not too many cars on the roads, but I tell you this is a day you seriously consider four-wheel drive.

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From West Side (10 A.M.)

The snow continues to blow -- sideways. That's one of the worst parts about being out in this is the wind, and in rural areas, I'm told it's even worse.

Hilldale Mall is a ghost town. I'm trying to find out if any store closings are planned, but obviously, folks are busy. Someone on the phone there told me it was up to individual stores so before you head out to pick up something, you probably want to call before you brave the roads.

9:30 a.m.

It's one thing to wake up and see this storm cheer for a snow day, or call in sick to work. It's completely another to actually have to drive in this weather for a living!

VIDEO: Watch Live Report From West Side (9 A.M.)

I've been talking to some of the Metro drivers while we're here at the Transfer point this morning, and while they've gotten used to driving in snow this winter, some seem like they're expecting the worst. The drivers were running as Metro has said, anywhere from 5-15 minutes behind, and say that while getting around has been alright, stopping in these conditions are virtually impossible. Remember, there's a layer of packed wet snow and ice under all the stuff that's blowing around now. Also, one driver told me it's the drivers trying to zoom around buses that's been their biggest headache today, so remember to be a courteous driver today. They're much bigger than you and you don't want to cause any sort of accident just because you want to get around them. Drivers say there's a lot fewer riders than usual today too, that's partially because of the snow day, but it seems like a lot of people decided to call in to work. If you did, drink a cup of cocoa for me.

8:45 a.m.

Well, isn't today going to be an adventure?! I'm out at the Madison Metro West Transfer Point off Whitney Way and Tokay Boulevard. Getting here from our station on the West Side was a bit of a trip, slipping and sliding, but thankfully not as much traffic as usual on the roads. Even my Ford Focus managed to make it to work this morning, so that's a plus. Busses are coming and going over here, Metro says routes are running anywhere from 5-15 minutes late so if you still need to get to work, be prepared for a chilly wait at your stop. Drivers are armed with brooms and shovels we've seen tis morning, when they get to the stop they try to do some extra cleaning.

As far as the streets go, be prepared for a dicey commute. I talked to Madison Streets Superintendent Al Schumacher this morning. He says they're "losing the battle but will win the war," because its just snowing so much out there right now. They've doubled up on salt routes, and are trying to keep main thoroughfares open. If you live in the rural areas, you might want to consider not leaving the house. Dane County Highway Department is dealing with near whiteout conditions because of blowing and drifting snow, so many county highways are blowing shut after plows get through.

I'll be here throughout the day updating you on our trek through the area. Check back later for a snowy update.