PRESS RELEASE from Wisconsin Emergency Management:

(MADISON) – Potentially dangerous travel conditions could develop during the afternoon rush hour in south and southeast Wisconsin including Madison, Milwaukee and the Fox River Valley as an intense winter storm moves through the state. Motorists may want to consider adjusting any travel plans for this afternoon and evening. Heavy snowfall rates, reduced visibilities and strong winds could make travel difficult between 4pm and 10pm.

Officials at Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are tracking the intense storm. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect in southern and eastern Wisconsin for Friday with 6-8 inches of snow or more possible.

Be ready for the storm. Here are a few simple things you can do:

Have an emergency winter weather survival kit in your vehicle. Your kit should include water, snack food such as energy bars or raisins, first aid kit and booster cables. If you have a cell phone make sure you have a power adapter you can plug into the lighter. you can find more tip kits on our website… readywisconsin.wi.gov

Check the roads before you travel. Call 511 or go to 511wi.gov for the latest road conditions across Wisconsin. you can also go to our website for a regional travel map which covers North and South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin. readywisconsin.wi.gov/511/default.asp

Get supplies for your home. Depending on conditions it may be safer to stay home. make sure your home emergency kit is stocked with food that can be stored and eaten without electricity. Also, make sure you have extra water, flashlights with extra batteries and medications. For a complete list of kit items go to our website: readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp