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Snow stops, roads still messy

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The snow stopped falling around midnight, but the roads are still a mess.

During Monday's winter storm warning -- including snow, sleet and rain -- dozens of accidents were reported across the region.

As observed in the TODAY'S TMJ4 car cam Tuesday morning, the main roads were fine, but the side streets still needed some work. The problem now is digging out your vehicle or getting stuck on the side streets.

In Waukesha County officials said they had one crash overnight, but there were dozens of calls of people getting stuck. In Racine County officials said they had 100 people call about getting stuck. 

Since the start of the snowfall at 9 a.m. Monday the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office responded to 48 property damage incidents and 81 disabled vehicles.

If you head out Tuesday, the Department of Transportation reminds people to give the plows some room and take your time.

Another reminder: A city ordinance requires you to clear your sidewalks within 24 hours of when the snow stops. Fines for a first offense are $50.

WEATHER TOOLS: 

The city's Department of Public Works says that as of 5 p.m. Monday, 228 plows were on the streets. That included 108 salt trucks and 120 garbage trucks, all with plow blades.
 
Mitchell International Airport also reported several cancelations and delays due to the storm.

As you travel on the roads, here are some things to keep in mind: 

  1. Keep an ice scraper with a brush in your vehicle -- when the rain freezes on your windshield, it will turn to ice.
  2. Have an emergency kit in your car if you get stuck in the cold -- some items include cat litter for traction (if your tires get stuck), windshield de-icer, and extra blankets and food.
  3. If you're in a pile-up or accident --  stay in your car, keep your seat belt on and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
  4. Other reminders -- keep your gas tank half-full to avoid freeze-ups and keep your cell phone nearby, in case of emergency.

What do you see where you are? Email your photos to weather@tmj4.com.

Be sure and try our new SNOWCAST APP! It is the "snow equivalent to STORM SHIELD" - a great new product that gives you high resolution snow forecasts for any part of the nation! It has just been introduced for iPhones, but we are working on the Android version! Just search SNOWCAST in the App Store or click here.