Weather forecasters say 7 to 14 inches of snow may fall on southeastern Wisconsin on Sunday and Monday. In anticipation of the major winter storm, classes at UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee Public Schools, many suburban school districts and some private schools have been canceled for Monday.
Some local government offices will also be closed. Milwaukee County and Waukesha County have shut down their courthouses for Monday, meaning all court activity will be rescheduled. What county officials deem as "non-essential personnel" are not to report to work.
Milwaukee County says its transportation department staff will be "out at full capacity salting and plowing the freeway and county roads for the duration of the storm," according to a Sunday afternoon press release from the office of Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.
'Light snow is approaching western WI and will continue to spread across the whole state by the evening. This will initially bring light snow later this evening, then periods of moderate to heavy snowfalls are expected overnight into Monday morning, leaving us with 7-14’’. pic.twitter.com/FRpzX3hBnH
— Innovative Weather (@InnovativeWx) January 27, 2019
Milwaukee County Transit Services (MCTS) buses are expected to be running as scheduled, "though weather-related delays may be possible, depending on travel conditions," according to the release. Riders are encouraged to check ridemcts.com for the latest information.
Milwaukee County residents needing emergency shelter are urged to call 211 for resources.
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow says his county's Winter Weather Emergency from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday "will keep residents and county employees off the roads." A news release from Farrow continues, "That will not only help prevent the risk of accidents, but fewer cars on the roads will help our Department of Public Works crews clear snow more quickly and efficiently."
The city of Racine also declared a Snow Emergency — from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday — meaning there are additional parking restrictions in the city.
Washington County will close its operations on Monday too. All "non-essential employees" are excused from work, including Justice Center employees, according to a news release.
