Here’s the snowplow update and the snow emergency update! As if it isn’t obvious!
SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED!
The City of Madison has declared a Snow Emergency for tonight and Saturday night. This means that all cars in the City must abide by the alternate side parking regulations. Remember to park on the even side of the street tonight and the odd side of the street on Saturday night. Violators of the alternate side parking rules will be fined $60 and be subject to being towed as well for an additional $50. Please remember to abide by the rules.
Snow began falling just after midnight. It has fallen at a rate of about 1 1/4″ to 1 1/2 ” per hour since that time. Our plows have concentrated on the main arterials during the overnight hours.
We will begin the plowing of all streets including the residential streets by 6:00 am. This is a break from policy as our policy states that we wait until the snow accumulation is over before starting to plow our residential streets. We are doing this due to the following factors; the amount of snow that has fallen already, the blowing and drifting of the snow and the fact that this is a busy travel time for people coming into Madison and travelling away from Madison.
The plowing will take longer than the normal 8-10 hours to complete due to the blowing and drifting and the total accumulation. In addition, crews will have to re-plow areas that were plowed before the snow stopped falling.
All residents can assist by finding off street parking not only for today but during the overnight hours as well.
and . . .
The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the entire City of Madison including the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone.
Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Residents who must park on the street this evening should park on the EVEN house numbered side of the street. Vehicles parked on the street Saturday evening December 20th should be parked on the ODD house numbered side of the street. 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 at least 7 a.m. on Sunday December 21st.
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 three central city parks. Residents can park in the lots at Burr Jones Park 1820 E. Washington Av, the boat landing lot of Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman AV (located along the east side of the Yahara River), and beach parking lot at Olbrich Park 3527 Atwood Av.
Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.
Enjoy the snow!
