ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Latest on a major snowstorm and the expected frigid weather in the Midwest (all times local): 4:15 p.m. Parts of southeastern Minnesota and southeastern Wisconsin have seen more than a foot of snow fall as a powerful storm that's expected to bring frigid temperatures moves through the Midwest. In Sheboygan, Wisconsin, 15 inches of snow (38 centimeters) had fallen by Monday afternoon. In Rochester, Minnesota, nearly 9 inches (23 centimeters) had fallen. It's all part of a weather system that has blanketed both states with snow amounts ranging from 6 inches (15 centimeters) to a foot of snow (30.5 centimeters) in some areas. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois. ___ 3:55 p.m. Schools in Minneapolis are shutting down through Wednesday as dangerous cold hits the Midwest. The school district had already canceled classes Monday due to a snowstorm. Forecasters are warning of temperatures 30 below (minus-34 Celsius) by midweek, with wind chills to 60 below (minus-51 Celsius). Gov. Tim Walz said Monday he wouldn't close schools statewide but would instead leave it up to individual districts. Many metro districts take their cue from the Minneapolis schools. ___ 2:45 p.m. The Chicago Zoological Society says it's closing the Brookfield Zoo on Wednesday and Thursday because of frigid, potentially record-breaking weather. Chicago Zoological Society CEO Stuart Strahl says the closure will ensure the safety of employees and animals. Strahl says only a few employees will be on-site to "provide basic core functions." It's only the fourth time the zoo has been closed during its 85-year-history. Zoo officials say they expect to reopen the zoo on February 1. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other Midwestern states where officials have closed schools, courthouses and businesses. Story continues But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois. ___ 12:25 p.m. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency because of snow and impending dangerously cold temperatures. Evers signed the order Monday that directs all state agencies to assist if any emergency response and recovery efforts are needed because of the snowstorm and cold that has hit Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and other Midwestern states . Evers is also activating the Wisconsin National Guard to assist with local emergency responders, if necessary. Many parts of Wisconsin had received up to 7 inches of snow as of Monday morning, with forecasts calling for a foot or more in some areas. The snow was to be followed by temperatures not rising above zero through Thursday, with wind chills as low as 50 below zero. Wisconsin state offices remained open on Monday. ___ 12 p.m. More than 1,000 flights have been canceled at Chicago's largest airports as a snowstorm crawls through several Midwestern states ahead of frigidly cold weather. The Chicago Department of Aviation said about 790 flights were canceled at O'Hare International Airport and about 220 were canceled at Midway International Airport as of Monday morning. O'Hare had delays of about 50 minutes, while delays were about 15 minutes at Midway. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and other Midwestern states where officials have closed schools, courthouses and businesses. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees (negative 48 degrees Celsius) in northern Illinois, which the National Weather Service calls "possibly life threatening." ___ 9:40 a.m. Heavy snow has led to the closure of Michigan's state government, including the Capitol building and legislative offices, as a snowstorm moves across the region ahead of frigidly cold weather. Most state government offices in the Lower Peninsula were closed Monday morning except for offices handling critical functions. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging motorists to stay off the roads. Heavy snow and gusting winds have also created blizzard-like conditions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Illinois and other Midwestern states where officials have also closed schools, courthouses and businesses. But it's the plunging temperatures expected later this week that have forecasters especially concerned. Wind chills could dip to negative 55 degrees in northern Illinois, which the National Weather Service calls "possibly life threatening." ___ 9:20 a.m. A winter storm brought several inches of snow to northern Illinois as the region braces for record-low subzero temperatures. The Chicago suburb of Palatine saw more than 5 inches (13 centimeters) Monday morning as the storm created slick roadways. A National Weather Service warning says up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) were possible by midday. But Monday's snow is just a precursor to what's in store for Illinois starting Tuesday. Forecasters warn of record cold temperatures and wind chills that could be "possibly life threatening." The weather service says the Rockford area could get colder than the record low of minus 27 degrees (negative 32.8 degrees Celsius) on Wednesday. Chicago looks a few degrees above its record. But wind chills could dip to 55 degrees below zero (negative 48.3 degrees Celsius). ___ 6:30 a.m. Heavy snow and gusting winds have created blizzard-like conditions across the Upper Midwest, prompting officials to close hundreds of schools, courthouses and businesses, and ground air travel. Even snowplow drivers are having trouble keeping up with conditions Monday . And once the snowstorm is over, forecasters say record cold is expected to settle into the region. More than a foot (30.5 centimeters) of snow was expected to accumulate Monday in southeastern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota. The largest public school districts in both states are among those closed, including districts in Milwaukee, Minneapolis and St. Paul. In Wisconsin, courthouses and most offices are closed in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Columbia and Washington counties. More than three dozen flights were canceled early Monday at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee County. In eastern North Dakota, officials have issued travel alerts because of blowing snow. ___ 12 a.m. A winter storm pushing across the Upper Midwest is expected to dump more than a foot of snow in parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The National Weather Service says blizzard conditions were reported Sunday in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Officials have issued a travel alert for north-central and eastern North Dakota due to snow and blowing snow, while no travel is advised in the south-central part of the state due to freezing rain and snow. In Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has declared a local snow emergency. The county's courts and nonessential services will be closed Monday. Milwaukee Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools also will be closed. Chicago could see 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) of snow, followed by arctic cold. Meteorologist Tyler Hasenstein of the National Weather Service says parts of far southeastern Minnesota into western Wisconsin could see up to 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) of snow.<doc-sep>"With the very cold temperatures, salt will not be an option for us," Romines said. "People who do have to get out should expect to see snow-covered roads." Police Chief Mike Koval anticipated the department will go on priority-only calls throughout the snowstorm, limiting responses to crashes with injuries or those blocking major thoroughfares. Additionally, Soglin said non-essential city offices and services, such as libraries, might not be open Monday, but the decision won't be made until the morning. Romines said he anticipates "for the first time in a number of years, we're going to have to do some major snow hauling from the Downtown area." Garbage and recycling collection in Madison will not occur Monday to free staff for snow removal operations, Romines said. Curbside, large-item collection is suspended for the entire week, and the city's two yard waste drop-off sites at 1501 W. Badger Road and 4602 Sycamore Ave. will be closed all week as well, he said. Residents who have waste collected on Monday should either try to hold it until next week or put their carts at the curb by 7 a.m. Thursday to either be collected by city staff Thursday or Friday. The drop-off sites are anticipated to reopen on Feb. 4.<doc-sep>
Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency in response to Wisconsin's ongoing winter storm and potentially life-threatening temperatures. Evers has also directed state agencies to close state government offices for public business with limited exceptions. "It's critically important that we're ensuring the people of Wisconsin and our public employees are safe in these dangerous weather conditions," Evers said Tuesday. "I am urging people to prepare for this severe weather and to exercise caution when traveling or going outdoors." The governor's executive order on Monday directs all state agencies to assist if there are any emergency response and recovery efforts associated with the snowstorm and cold. The order also gives Wisconsin’s Adjutant General Don Dunbar the authority to call to state active duty soldiers and airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local emergency responders if needed. This could include security, response and recovery missions.Evers' order on Tuesday directs state agencies to close state government offices for public business on January 30, 2019, excluding essential emergency response, public health, and public safety employees. The Executive Order also directs all state agencies utilize all available means to ensure employee safety including alternative work options. The Wisconsin State Capitol will remain open to the public Wednesday. Gov. Tony Evers has declared a state of emergency in response to Wisconsin's ongoing winter storm and potentially life-threatening temperatures. Evers has also directed state agencies to close state government offices for public business with limited exceptions. "It's critically important that we're ensuring the people of Wisconsin and our public employees are safe in these dangerous weather conditions," Evers said Tuesday. "I am urging people to prepare for this severe weather and to exercise caution when traveling or going outdoors." The governor's executive order on Monday directs all state agencies to assist if there are any emergency response and recovery efforts associated with the snowstorm and cold. The order also gives Wisconsin’s Adjutant General Don Dunbar the authority to call to state active duty soldiers and airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local emergency responders if needed. This could include security, response and recovery missions. Evers' order on Tuesday directs state agencies to close state government offices for public business on January 30, 2019, excluding essential emergency response, public health, and public safety employees. The Executive Order also directs all state agencies utilize all available means to ensure employee safety including alternative work options. The Wisconsin State Capitol will remain open to the public Wednesday.