"Salt, shovels, really good gloves:" Southeast Wisconsin braces for stretch of bitter cold temperatures

MILWAUKEE -- A light rain turned to snow around 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and residents are adjusting to more than just snow -- they are bundling up for a big chill.

It has taken almost two weeks but the heavy snowfall from the holidays is finally loosening its grip. But relief is temporary as the cold sets to return.

That's why Pat Cornelius is shopping for a decent pair of gloves. She doesn't want her fingers to freeze Sunday, when she's shoveling the walk.

"You know it's only supposed to be a few days and then after that, we're supposed to get back up in the warmer weather," said Cornelius.

Cornelius says so far, winter weather has been pretty tame.

"I'll take this any year," said Cornelius.

Snow totals aren't expected to be back-breaking, but the next few days could be the coldest it's been this winter. Wind chills are expected to be below zero and why Cornelius says it's a good time to take inventory of the winter essentials.

"Salt, shovels, really good gloves, car starter if you have one," said Cornelius.

It's also important to talk about road conditions. Milwaukee Department of Public Works reports more than 100 salt trucks are ready to go -- and another 100 garbage trucks have added plow blades.

What happens now depends on winter's next move.

In the meantime, Cornelius offers some perspective on the matter of Mother Nature.

"It's been so mild. We are going to get our snow and then it's going to get warm and it's all going to go away," said Cornelius.

Saturday's snowfall is expected to continue through early Sunday morning, which will cause driving conditions to get worse -- drivers be safe when out on the roadways.