The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the entire City of Madison tonight, including the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone.
 
The Streets Division along with contractors will begin plowing all city streets starting around 9pm this evening when the snow has stopped.  Currently, Streets Division crews are maintaining the city salt routes and will remain on the salt routes until switching to plowing operations at 9pm. Our combined plow force will be approximately 170 pieces of equipment.  This is a wet, heavy snow and we anticipate it will take 10 to 12 hours to clear all residential streets curb to curb.
 
Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible.  All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of December 4 into early morning of December 5) need to have their vehicles on the ODD house numbered side of the street between the hours of 1am and 7am.  Vehicles parked on the tomorrow night (the evening of December 5 into early morning of December 6) should have their vehicles on the EVEN house-numbered side of the street between the hours of 1am and 7am.  Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison.  Violators could also be towed.
The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6.

Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced.  That includes restrictions that ban parking on selected blocks in the Downtown/Isthmus area and on the near east and near west sides.  Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs.
Parking is available in the cashiered sections of city-owned ramps in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City ramps from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. If you enter before 9 p.m. or leave after 7 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the ramps overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in city ramps longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.  Parking is also available at the Brittingham Park Shelter parking lot off of W. Washington Ave.

For the Monday (12/5) morning commute, residents should plan for longer than normal commutes as some slick spots may persist, and residential plowing could still be ongoing.  Everyone is encouraged to make good choices on their commute by driving slow and allowing for extra stopping distance.   Residents should also be prepared for the possibility of snow in their driveway aprons due to the evening’s plowing operations. This is a heavy, wet snow, so residents need to take care when shoveling their walks and driveways.
 
Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.