The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect in the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison.  This snow emergency will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Friday, January 27.
 
The Streets Division along with contractors will begin plowing all city streets this evening.  We expect plowing operations to start around 10pm on Wednesday, January 25 and it will take 10 to 12 hours for all streets to be cleared.  Currently, Streets Division crews are maintaining the city salt routes and will remain on the salt routes until switching to plowing operations around 10pm when the snow is predicted to come to a close. The combined plow force of the Streets Division and contractors will be approximately 170 pieces of equipment. 
 
Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles and trailers from the street if possible. Fewer obstacles in the road means crews the plowing operations will be safer, faster, and more complete.  
 
Parking on the Street Tonight (Wednesday 1/25 into early morning of Thursday 1/26)
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of January 25 into early morning of January 26) need to 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.
 
Parking on the Street Tomorrow Night (Thursday 1/26 into the early morning of Friday 1/27)
Vehicles parked on the tomorrow night (the evening of January 26 into early morning of January 27) should have their vehicles on the ODD 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.
 
Other Parking Information
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.

Why You Should Follow Alternate Side Parking
Following alternate side parking keeps the roads open, wide, and safe for all roadway users – cars, bikes, emergency vehicles, refuse/recycling collection, and so on. 
 
During tonight’s snow emergency, when you park on the EVEN side of the street as you should, that leaves an open lane of travel on the ODD side for the plows to push the snow all the way back to the curb. 
 
And tomorrow night, when you park on the ODD as you should, that means plows can get to all the snow on the EVEN side that they could not the night before since of all the parked cars were there.
 
Heavy Snow and the Morning Commute
This snow is very heavy and wet.  We will work to plow all the residential streets during the overnight hours, which unfortunately mean driveway aprons will be filled with this hard-to-shovel snow.  Be sure to allow yourself extra time Thursday morning to clear a path through the snow so your Thursday morning commute will not be impacted.  Also, be sure to take extra care when shoveling your driveway and sidewalks due to how heavy this snow will be.
 
While we hope to have the snow plowed from all City of Madison streets by the start of the Thursday commute, it is probable our crews will still be out plowing at that time.  Be sure to give our operators plenty of space as they work to make the roads safe.
 
If you are on the roads during the plow operations, it is common to encounter temporary windrows blocking side streets as crews loop through neighborhoods plowing the snow back to the curb.  
 
In general, everyone is encouraged to make good choices when on the roads.  Plan on needing plenty of extra travel time to get to your destination. Drive slow. Brake early. Be cautious.      
 
Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.