Wet, windy, and cold -- SE Wisconsin gets 1st taste of winter

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Snow has arrived in southeast Wisconsin, and it isn't holding back. The snow finally started sticking to the ground Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9 in areas where it initially was melting on contact. 

In Waukesha, the city has 43 plows deployed for residential and city streets. Waukesha County has had 51 plow and brine trucks out since 3:30 a.m. Tuesday -- and they were still out Tuesday afternoon tackling more than 2,100 miles of state and county lanes. 

Highway Patrol Superintendent Keith Hepp says their big focus now is clearing for the evening commute. 

"This morning was a little light, a little slippery. The amount of snow has increased, it's getting a little more greasy, so we are actively pushing snow off, and making sure everyone gets home safe," said Hepp.

It's been a quiet winter, and Hepp said they've been ready for a snow event like this.

"It's nice to get everybody back out and get comfortable again, because we don't know what the remaining winter is going to bring," Hepp said.

Eight Waukesha County plow trucks will be out overnight.

The main crew will return at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday for more cleanup.

Residents were out across the Waukesha area shoveling driveways and sidewalks.

One neighbor said he started at 6 a.m. and planned to come out a few times throughout the day.

"I wanted to get outside and do some shoveling. I kind of missed the snow a little bit. I know everyone's going to say, hey, you're crazy, but I like getting outside, being out in the fresh air for a while," said Waukesha resident, Jim Hannon.

Up in Sheboygan, residents say there’s two words to describe the winter conditions – snow and windy.

Surfers were expected to take advantage of the wind and head out on the waves, but residents say the wind conditions were too choppy.

Despite that, many people say they’re glad to have a true Wisconsin winter.

“If you don’t like it, dress warm, wear a jacket. I got enough layers so, I don’t really need a jacket. I get hot really easy when I’m outside — my wife tells me I’m a heater,” said Sheboygan resident, Justin Allard.

Michelle McDaniel says she believes Sheboygan enjoys the winter because it means more time to spend outside with family. McDaniel says she’s been waiting for snowfall since the holidays.

“I actually really like it...I think we like snow and we were waiting for this and I’m so happy it’s coming,” said McDaniel.

McDaniel says the surfers will try to surf Lake Michigan Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Contributions made to this story by CBS 58's Daniela Cado, Duaa Israr, and Jenna Wells.