MILWAUKEE – The deadline to get leaves to the street for Milwaukee’s one-time spring leaf cleanup is Sunday, but this weekend’s expected winter weather could impact when crews are able to collect them.

The latest:

The Milwaukee Department of Public Works said the weather will likely result in a snow operation. As soon as snow duties wrap up, crews will be out to complete a full cycle through the city to collect leaves.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

The deadline for residents to get leaves to the street is March 15. Weather permitting, the final leaf collection cycle is expected to begin on Monday, March 16. 

The backstory:

Significant early snowfall and sustained cold temperatures interrupted the fall leaf collection season before it could be fully completed by its Nov. 30 deadline, the city said. Due to the conditions and the seasonal redeployment of equipment, it was not feasible to resume leaf collection until sustained warmer temperatures were in the forecast.

The city said proper leaf collection helps reduce flooding and keep storm drains clear, protects water quality by keeping leaves out of local rivers and Lake Michigan, and makes streets safer and cleaner for walking, biking, and driving.

What you can do:

The DPW asks residents to clean up their curb areas, some of which were impacted by snow plowing through the winter. Leaves should be raked into the street with a one-foot gap from the curb.

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

No service request is needed for leaves raked into the street.

Residents who prefer to bag their leaves in compostable paper lawn bags may do so, and DPW will collect them curbside during the one-time collection. Plastic bags will not be collected.

Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW)

To request curbside collection of paper-bagged leaves, the DPW said residents must submit a Leaf PickUp request online, use the MKEMobileAction app or call 414-286-CITY by March 15. 

What’s next:

The city said compostable paper lawn bags will also be accepted during Project Clean & Green, the cleanup effort that follows the spring leaf rake-out and begins in late April. Residents will receive service on their regular garbage collection day of the week for their zone. Additional details will be shared as the start date approaches.

Compostable paper lawn bags may also be dropped at any time, free of charge at City Drop Off Centers.

MILWAUKEE – A winter storm could bring a messy mix of snow, ice and strong winds to Wisconsin this weekend, with significant impacts potentially lasting into Monday. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from 7 p.m. Saturday through 4 p.m. Monday for much of the state.

While the exact track remains uncertain, the setup could produce a prolonged period of winter weather with changing precipitation types and hazardous travel.

Additionally, a high wind warning is in effect until 4 p.m. Friday for all of southeast Wisconsin. 

Storm arrives Saturday night

What we know:

The storm is expected to begin developing across southern Wisconsin Saturday evening as warmer air surges northward ahead of an approaching low pressure system. Snow will likely develop first across much of the area.

As the storm intensifies overnight Saturday into Sunday, warmer air aloft may push into parts of southern Wisconsin. That could lead to a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, especially along and north of Interstate 94. Ice building up on power lines can cause widespread power outages. Some areas may also briefly see rain mix in farther south.

This phase of the storm could produce accumulating ice in parts of the FOX 6 viewing area, which would increase the risk for slippery roads and cause power outages as ice builds on trees and power lines.

Snow and wind increase Sunday night

What we know:

Later Sunday, colder air is expected to wrap back into the system. That should change precipitation back to moderate to heavy snow Sunday evening into Monday, with snow potentially lingering through much of the day Monday.

Strong winds will accompany the storm, and those winds could create areas of blowing snow. Visibility could drop below a quarter mile at times when heavier snow bands develop.

The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may produce near-blizzard conditions in localized areas, especially where snow falls consistently.

Travel could become very difficult

Dig deeper:

If the storm develops as expected, travel conditions could deteriorate quickly late this weekend. Travel could become very difficult or even impossible at times, with blowing snow and icy roads likely.

Strong winds combined with the weight of snow and ice may also bring down tree branches and power lines, potentially causing sporadic power outages.

Forecast uncertainty remains

Dig deeper:

While confidence is increasing that a significant storm will impact the region, several important details are still uncertain. Small changes in the track of the storm could dramatically affect snowfall totals and where the heaviest ice develops.

The FOX 6 Weather Experts are also monitoring the potential for what’s known as a dry slot wrapping into the storm, which could temporarily reduce precipitation in parts of southern Wisconsin before snow returns on the back side of the storm.

Areas farther north in Wisconsin currently have the highest confidence for heavier snowfall, while locations near the Illinois border may see more mixing and lower snow totals.

What happens next

What’s next:

Conditions should gradually improve Monday evening as the storm pulls away, and high pressure moves into the region. 

You are strongly encouraged to monitor updated forecasts over the next 24 to 48 hours, as winter storm watches are often upgraded to warnings as confidence increases.

SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Police are investigating after two people were found dead inside a South Milwaukee home Thursday afternoon, March 12.

What we know:

According to the South Milwaukee Police Department, officers conducted a welfare check around 2:40 p.m. at a residence near 13th and Manistique.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

Police said officers entered the home and found a 22-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man dead inside. Authorities say both appeared to have died from gunshot injuries.

A firearm was recovered at the scene.

Dig deeper:

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office told FOX6 News the deaths are still under investigation.

Investigators say the incident appears to be isolated and there was no threat to the public.