MADISON, Wis. -- A powerful winter storm pummeled parts of the state with a combination of heavy snow, strong winds and freezing rain Wednesday morning as residents and many state, county and local institutions rode out the worst of it.

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Heavy snow and strong winds battered Wisconsin overnight as a major snowstorm 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 47 counties in Wisconsin through Wednesday evening.

The Wisconsin State Patrol said as many as a dozen tractor-trailers became stuck on interstate ramps where Interstate 39, I-90 and I-94 intersect near Madison. Patrol communications operator Lance Thomas said the heavy snow made the ramps impassable.

The southbound lane of U.S. Highway 14 is closed in Oregon because of a jack-knifed tractor-trailer.

Officials said that motorists can get up to date traveler information by calling 511 from their cellular phones or logging onto www.511wi.gov.

Utilities Report Sporadic Power Outages

Power utilities are reporting sporadic power outages throughout southern Wisconsin.

An MG&E spokesman said that about 2,000 customers are currently without power on Wednesday morning -- down from 7,000 earlier. Spokesman Bryan Brosamle said workers are making "good progress" on Madison's East Side. He said that most of the outages were caused by wet snow cracking tree limbs, which took down power lines. He said that the most concentrated areas of outages are south of Cottage Grove Road, east of Monona Drive and west of Highway 51.

Alliant Energy officials said the storm cut power to about 15,000 people -- down from 22,000 customers earlier. About 9,000 of those people were in Janesville on Wednesday morning. An official said that there were about 8,500 outages in Rock County; 4,500 in Dane County; 1,00 in Grant County; and 300 in Sheybogan County.

We Energies officials say about 30,000 people around southeastern Wisconsin lost power. The utility was still working late Wednesday morning to about 15,000 people. We Energies said that 5,700 customers in Waukesha County are without power. They're expected to get power back by noon on Thursday. Utility spokesman Barry McNulty said the snow and high wind knocked down power lines and tree limbs. McNulty said hundreds of crew members were out in the storm working to restore service.

Wisconsin Public Service Corp. says about 12,000 people along Lake Michigan are without power, including about 4,000 in Door County.

Xcel Energy reports about 760 customers in northwestern Wisconsin lost power. Electricity had been restored to all but about 60 by late morning Wednesday.

Charter Communications customers were experiencing intermittent service interruptions in a number of Beloit and Fort Atkinson area neighborhoods, officials said.

Snow Prompts Government, School Closures, Cancellations

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.

All Madison Metro Bus services are canceled for Wednesday, officials said.

U.S. Mail service might be delayed depending on road conditions, officials said. They said that deliveries will occur only were it is safe to do so.

Sharon Wisniewsk, spokeswoman for the Dane County Regional Airport, said that the airport is still open. She said that one flight has arrived and one flight has left Wednesday morning. She said a lot of flight cancellations are due to problems at hubs where flights are going to. There are still some flights still on as of now for this afternoon.

Meteorologist: Dane County Hit Hardest

A National Weather Service meteorologist said Dane County has so far been the hardest hit by the snowstorm in Wisconsin, with up to 18 inches in some areas.

Meteorologist Penny Zabel said 18 inches was reported in Oregon, about 10 miles south of Madison. She said the whole county is blanketed with about 15 inches or more in most areas, with another 2 to 4 inches expected Wednesday along with wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

In the parking lot of a car repair shop on Madison's East Side, employee Kurt Splettstoesser, 20, said he can only remember one snowstorm close to this bad in his life. He said his car got stuck in front of his house, and he has been "shoveling and snowblowing and plowing" all day.

NWS Declares Blizzard Warning Until Wednesday Night

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 Clayton and Allamakee. 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 that Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, very windy, and turning colder with snow tapering to flurries in the afternoon. Total storm accumulations by midnight of 10 to 18 inches.

Cannalte said the heaviest amounts will be near a Dubuque, Iowa, to Madison to Fond du Lac line). Blowing and drifting snow creating blizzard and whiteout conditions, especially in rural areas, making travel extremely dangerous and nearly impossible, he said.

Wind will be north and northwest at 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

The blizzard warning continues until midnight. Wednesday night will be mostly cloudy, breezy and bitterly cold. There's the likelihood of some blowing and drifting snow. The overnight temperatures will dip to about 0 degrees, he said.

State emergency officials said that they want people to stay home. People who must travel should prepare an emergency supply kit for their vehicles and monitor their local media for storm updates.

Information how to build a supply kit is available at readywisconsin.wi.gov. Travelers can check road conditions by calling 511 or by visiting the state Transportation Department's Web site.

Municipalities Declare Snow Emergencies

Several local cities have declared snow emergencies in preparation for the heavy snowfall.

The city of Madison has declared a snow emergency for Tuesday and Wendesday. City officials extended the deadline for clearing sidewalks from noon on Thursday to 8 a.m. on Friday.
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk has signed an order closing non-essential county services for Wednesday. Public safety services performed by the Dane County Sheriff’s Department, the Dane County Highway Department and the 911 Center will not be affected by the closure. County officials said that sheriff’s deputies will continue patrols and snow-plowing crews will continue efforts to clear highways and roads.
The city of Janesville has declared a snow emergency effective at 5 p.m. "until snow plowing operations are complete," officials said.
The city of Fort Atkinson has declared a snow emergency starting at noon on Tuesday. The snow emergency is extended to include Wednesday night until further notice.
The city of Beloit has declared a snow emergency for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The city of Marshall has declared a snow emergency from noon on Tuesday until noon on Thursday.
The city of Stoughton has declared a snow emergency starting at midnight on Tuesday and will be in effect for three days. City officials have will close non-emergency services for Wednesday. Public safety services will not be affected by the closure. Services are to resume Thursday.
The city of Monona has declared a snow emergency starting at 10 p.m. on Tuesday until 10 p.m. on Wednesday.
The city of Sun Prairie has declared a snow emergency for Tuesday and Wednesday night.
The city of Black Earth has declared a snow emergency until Wednesday at midnight.
The city of McFarland has declared a snow emergency starting at 1 a.m. on Wednesday and ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.
The city of Portage has declared a snow emergency starting at 2 a.m. on Wednesday. Starting at 4:00 a.m., parking is prohibited on all other streets, except the Central Business District, according to city officials.
The village of Oregon has declared a snow emergency until Wednesday.
The city of Middleton is considering declaring a snow emergency. Officials said that residents are urged to not park in the street if at all possible overnight. Those parking in the street should remember the alternate side parking restrictions and only park on the odd side of the street on Tuesday night

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, e-mail them. Please include all relevant information. A phone number is required should Channel 3000 need to confirm the information.

MADISON
UW Health Clinics have delayed opening until 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Madison Area Technical College campuses are closed on Wednesday, including campuses in Madison, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson
The Overture Center is closed and canceled its evening performances.
West Towne Mall and East Towne Mall are closed on Wednesday.
Meals on Wheels have canceled its noon-time delivery for Madison, Middleton, Monona.
MSCR activities are canceled on Wednesday.
Madison Children's Museum is closed on Wednesday.
All Dean clinics will be closed on Wednesday, including Dean & St. Mary's Regional Clinics, Davis Duehr Dean locations and Dean Urgent Care locations.
The following Meriter clinics will be closed on Wednesday: Meriter Medical Clinic-Middleton; Meriter-McKee; Meriter-West Washington; Meriter-Pediatrics; Meriter Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic; Meriter outpatient therapy clinics, including Meriter PT-Park, Middleton, Central, East, West, Return to Work, and the Hand Clinic; and the Meriter WomanCare Clinic.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Madison has canceled all activities, programs and classes for Wednesday, with the exception of the Christmas Pageant practice at Central.
AWANA for Wednesday night has been canceled.
Meriter Health Education Classes are canceled on Wednesday.
The 13th Annual UW Arlington Dairy Day scheduled for Wednesday is canceled due to weather concerns. It will not be rescheduled this year.
Brandon Eyes in Middleton will be closed on Wednesday. Normal business hours resume Thursday.
First United Methodist Church in Madison will be closed on Wednesday.
The weekly blood pressure clinic at Divine Savior Healthcare scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled.
Madison Family Dental Associates will be closed on Wednesday due to the weather.
Madison WIC clinics scheduled from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. are canceled. This includes the clinics at both Madison locations: Madison South Clinic (2202 South Park St. in the Villager Mall) and the Madison East Clinic (2705 East Washington Ave.).
Bread of Life Food Pantry at St Paul Lutheran Church on Sherman Ave. will be closed on Wednesday.
Associated Physicians is closed on Wednesday.
Access Community Health Centers in Madison is closed on Wednesday.
Dejope Gaming in Madison is closed on Wednesday.
M&I Banks are closed until noon on Wednesday
Madison Municipal Court is closed on Wednesday.
The Urban League of Greater Madison will be closed on Wednesday.
All UW Health clinics will be closed on Wednesday, but UW Health Wisconsin Dialysis remains open.
University of Wisconsin-Extension operations are closed on Wednesday.
Coyle Carpet One is closed on Wednesday.
Klinke Cleaners opens at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, but same-day service isn't available.
The Lussier Family West YMCA, Lussier Family East YMCA and the Northeast YMCA are closed until Thursday morning.
Truesdell Animal Care Hospital is closed on Wednesday.
Madison East High School's Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical is canceled Wednesday night.
The American Red Cross Madison East Blood Donation Center is closed on Wednesday.
Capitoland Christian Center evening activities have been canceled.
BARABOO
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Baraboo has canceled all Advent Services on Wednesday.
Trinity Episcopal Church in Baraboo has canceled all evening activities for Wednesday.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church has canceled youth education and worship services on Wednesday.
BARNVELD
Barneveld Lutheran Church confirmation classes will are canceled on Wednesday.
BELOIT
Rock County WIC clinic closed in Beloit and Janesville on Wednesday.
BLACK EARTH
New Heights Lutheran Church Black Earth/Mazomanie have canceled all Wednesday activities.
BLUE MOUNDS
Blue Mounds Village Board meeting is canceled on Wednesday.
DEFOREST
Essential Family Vision Care will be closed on Wednesday.
DODGEVILLE
Charter Communications is closing its offices in Dodgeville on Wednesday.
FITCHBURG
Christ Memorial Pre-School in Fitchburg is closed on Wednesday.
Woods Hollow Children's Center in Fitchburg will be closed on Wednesday.
Gold's Gym in Fitchburg re-opened at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
FORT ATKINSON
Madison Area Technical College campuses are closed on Wednesday, including campuses in Madison, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson.
JANESVILLE
The following Mercy Health System programs have been canceled for Wednesday: Hospice Bereavement Support Group from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and volunteer information session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Rock County WIC clinic closed in Beloit and Janesville on Wednesday.
JEFFERSON
St. John's Lutheran Church is moving Advent worship services and dinner to Thursday night.
MCFARLAND
McFarland UCC Church has canceled choir practice scheduled for Wednesday night.
MARKESAN
Faith Lutheran Church has canceled its Wednesday evening Advent worship service.
MAZOMANIE
New Heights Lutheran Church Black Earth/Mazomanie have canceled all Wednesday activities.
MIDDLETON
Globe University-Middleton Campus will be closed on Wednesday.
Meals on Wheels have canceled its noon-time delivery for Madison, Middleton, Monona.
Gilson Inc. in Middleton will be closed on Wednesday.
St. Luke's Lutheran has canceled its Advent worship and mid-week confirmation classes on Wednesday.
MONONA
Meals on Wheels have canceled its noon-time delivery for Madison, Middleton, Monona.
OREGON
Stoughton Hospital's Cardiac Rehab and Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine Clinics in the cities of Oregon and Stoughton will be closed for the entire day on Wednesday.
Hillcrest Bible Church in Oregon has canceled all Wednesday evening activities.
OXFORD
St. John’s, Oxford is canceling its 7 p.m. Advent service for Wednesday.
PACKWAUKEE
Trinity, Packwaukee is canceling its 11 a.m. Advent service for Wednesday.
PLATTEVILLE
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has canceled all classes on Wednesday. Students who live on campus are urged to stay on campus until the roads and sidewalks have been cleared, according to school officials.
Platteville Public Library is closed on Wednesday.
PORTAGE
Madison Area Technical College campuses are closed on Wednesday, including campuses in Madison, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson
Curves in Portage closed on Tuesday and will reopen on Thursday, weather permitting.
REEDSBURG
Madison Area Technical College campuses are closed on Wednesday, including campuses in Madison, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson
Kids Korner Daycare in Reedsburg is closed on Wednesday.
The Rotary Club of Reedsburg, Western Sauk County has cancelled their Wednesday morning meeting at Marty's Steakhouse.
SAUK COUNTY
Sauk County governmental offices will be closed Wednesday.
SUN PRAIRIE
Sun Prairie City Hall/Westside Community Building is closed on Wednesday.
Karate America Mixed Training Systems in Sun Prairie is closed on Wednesday.
Apostolic Church of Sun Prairie's service Wednesday night is canceled.
Peace Lutheran Church in Sun Prairie has canceled its Wednesday night services.
STOUGHTON
Stoughton Hospital's Cardiac Rehab and Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine Clinics in the cities of Oregon and Stoughton will be closed for the entire day on Wednesday.
VERONA
Verona schools will be closed Wednesday and all classes and activities are canceled.
Verona Vision Care will be closed Wednesday.
WATERTOWN
Madison Area Technical College campuses are closed on Wednesday, including campuses in Madison, Reedsburg, Portage, Watertown and Fort Atkinson
The Energy Incentives from We Energies breakfast seminar scheduled for Wednesday, at Watertown City Hall has been canceled. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Dec 16.

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