Could run through the 19th . . . It used to be predictable, now you just never know when the city will call a snow emergency.
The rules used to be simple and understandable. They would call a snow emergency for 2 nights after the day after the snow stopped unless it stopped by 6pm. And, they would only call a snow emergency if there was three inches of snow or more. There were some exceptions, like when it was supposed to be 40 degrees the next day or if we got 10 inches of snow. But it was pretty predictable. Now, its anybody’s guess.
You can sign up for emails and texts on their website. I get both. And you can always check the city’s website for the “Yes” or “No” or you can call the number below.
Madison Declares Snow Emergency on February 17
The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency today, February 17, 2019. This means alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect tonight for the Snow Emergency Zone as well as the rest of the City of Madison. The snow emergency will remain in effect until at least 7 a.m. on February 19, 2019.
Depending on road conditions, the snow emergency may be extended beyond February 19.
The Streets Division encourages all residents to choose off-street parking options tonight (February 17) and throughout the day tomorrow (February 18).
If you must park your vehicle on the street this evening, be sure to follow alternate side parking rules and please follow daytime parking rules tomorrow. Also, residents are reminded not to place their trash and recycling carts in the street for collection, either. Fewer obstacles in the road means plowing operations will be safer, faster, and more complete.
The Streets Division crews along with heavy equipment contractors will begin plowing all city streets late tonight when the storm is forecast to end. All Madison streets should have their initial plowing 14 to 16 hours after the citywide plowing begins..
Parking on the Street Tonight (Sunday 2/17/19 into early morning of Monday 2/18/19)
All residents who must park on the street tonight (the evening of February 17 into early morning of February 18) 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. If a vehicle is towed, an additional towing fee is added to the fine amount.
Other Parking Information
Residents are reminded that all daytime parking restrictions will be enforced tomorrow when plowing operations will likely still be ongoing. This includes restrictions that ban parking on selected blocks in the downtown area and on the near east and near west sides. Parkers should pay attention to all parking signs.
Parking will be 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 W. Washington Ave.
Why You Should Follow Alternate Side Parking
Following alternate side parking allows plow trucks to keep the roads open, wide, and safe for all roadway users.
During tonight’s portion of the 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, for the second half of the snow emergency, parking on the ODD side means plows can push the snow on the even side that they could not the night before.
Additional Information
Madison residents can get additional snow plowing and snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter and addition winter parking information by calling 608-261-9111.
The bolding is mine . . .
There’s something about the tone of these emails that drives me nuts. It seems blaming and condescending. Maybe its just me and I hear the sound of staff’s voices from when we had to twist their arms to open up the parking ramps. We were only able to get them to open the ramps at 9pm. I see no reason why if there’s going to be a snow emergency they can’t just let people park for free on the weekends and as early as 6pm instead of 9pm. It’s absurd to make us pay to be in the ramps so we can get the cars off the road for the city. I know they think its all just students (who cares they don’t vote) and Epic kids (they can afford it) that are impacted by this, but that’s not true. Epic people have their underground parking they pay for already, most of the others can’t afford to park in the ramps or get the tickets because they are paying so much for housing. I’m privileged enough to be able to deal with it, but there was a time I wasn’t and I see my neighbors struggling with this. Here’s some more ideas I had the other day about how they could change things. This isn’t rocket science and we’re not the only city where it snows.
