Winter Storm Updates and Frigid Temperatures Coming
postedSnow Emergency Remains In Effect Overnight Saturday 1/13
A snow emergency remains in effect for the City of Madison tonight, January 13, 2024. When parking your vehicle this evening, please choose off-street parking options. If you do need to park on the street, be sure to park on the EVEN side of the street tonight.
Clear Your Sidewalks by Noon Sunday 1/14
The snow fall is ending today. All snow accumulated on the public sidewalks shall be cleared by 12:00 (noon) on Sunday January 14, 2024.
Prompt removal is always in your own best interest. Forecast shows that temperatures will be in the single digits and below zero in the next days. Also, shows windy conditions today (Saturday January 13, 2024) that may create drifting. Always keep the public sidewalks free on snow and ice regarding of the source of accumulation. Delaying the snow clearing will made the task more difficult and keep the public sidewalks unsafe for longer period.
If after removing the snow there is any ice on the sidewalk that cannot be removed, keep the sidewalk effectively sprinkled with sand or another suitable substance to prevent the ice from being dangerous. If possible, please help your neighbors that may be unable or have difficulties removing the snow/ice. The snow that fell in the last days is heavy, use precautions when removing.
Free sand is available at several locations around Madison. Learn more about snow rules and regulations. Visit the snow removal frequently asked questions.
Plowing Update from the City Streets Division:
Citywide Plowing Progress - Update for Morning of January 13, 2024
Citywide plowing operations began at midnight, and the work is expected to last into the evening on Saturday, January 13 before it is completed.
Finishing the citywide plowing is the highest priority for the Streets Division, and work will continue on this until the job is done. Other Streets Division snow-related duties, such as plowing certain bus stops and city-maintained sidewalks will be completed slower than usual as staff will be focusing on completing the city plowing first.
The significant snow accumulation slows down plow vehicles as this amount of snow becomes very heavy to push. Even plow trucks can slip, get stuck, and struggle with hills when conditions are this tough.
Also, snow continued to fall during the overnight hours, and due to the winds, snow blew over the roads regularly, so personnel was needed to continue plowing snow from the major thoroughfares instead of assisting with the ongoing plowing of residential areas. That means 32 plows that would have typically been in neighborhoods pushing snow from the residential areas were tied up keeping these main streets passable as snow fell and drifted through the night.
The significant snow depth combined with overnight snowfall means the initial citywide plowing phase is not expected to be completed until sometime during the evening.
Road Conditions – Update for Morning of January 13, 2024
All Madison roads will be snow covered and slippery. You will need to drive slow. This includes salt routes.
Leave earlier for your destinations so you are not tempted to speed to arrive on time. Be patient and cautious. Stay alert.
Due to the significant volume of snow we received, travel in residential areas will be a challenge in areas that still remain unplowed. Please consider your need to travel carefully and make good choices by waiting until the street you live on is plowed before heading out.
Expected Road Conditions Going Forward Starting Today through January 19
Beginning today, January 13, temperatures will crater below the threshold where salt is effective. Temperatures are expected to sit below the ability to salt for the entire next week.
Expect salt routes to be snow-covered for several days.
The Streets Division applies salt at a maximum rate of 300 pounds per lane mile. When temperatures are below 20 degrees, salt applied at that rate is far less effective at melting snow from pavement. Rather than applying more and more and more salt onto the roads, crews switch to applying sand to assist with traction.
Streets Division Operations Once Citywide Plowing is Completed
Once the citywide plowing operation is complete this evening, Streets Division crews will transition to applying sand to hills, curves, and intersections throughout Madison.
Temperatures will likely be below the threshold to apply salt to the main thoroughfares at the time the citywide plowing operation is complete, so sand is expected to be deployed where needed on these routes as well once the citywide plowing operation is complete.
Choose Off-Street Parking Options Today and Tonight Snow Emergency Parking Rules Will Continue Tonight
Help the ongoing plowing operations by choosing off street parking options throughout the entire day.
Alternate side parking rules will once again be in affect citywide during the overnight this evening, including the snow emergency zone as the declared snow emergency will remain in effect.
In Conclusion
Streets Division staff will continue to monitor the roads and the weather. Operations will adjust should road and weather conditions require it. Future updates will be provided."
Safety Tips and Shelter Resources Ahead of Frigid Temperatures Beginning Tonight
The next week will see dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills. Common Council Office staff compiled the below resources and information that alders are helping to share in the hopes that it helps you protect yourself and your family as and helps protect those who may be experiencing homelessness. Please share with your networks in hopes that this information also reaches those experiencing homelessness without access to a phone or the internet.
From the City of Madison: Please visit the Winter and the Extreme Cold Weather pages. This includes but is not limited to information on addressing accessibility issues due to snow, recognizing the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, resources for homeless residents, and more.
From the Homeless Services Consortium of Dane County’s announcement: On days designated Extreme Weather Days, Safe Haven Drop-In Shelter will temporarily waive guest suspensions, allowing all guests, including those under suspension, to access Safe Haven's day services. For more information on Safe Haven please call: (608) 241-9447 ext. 10
Additional Homeless Services:
Shelter for Men: Porchlight Men’s Shelter
- 2002 Zeier Road (previously SAVERS building, by East Towne Mall)
- Intake daily 5pm to 8:30pm – walk-in welcome, no need to call
- Open overnight, 5pm to 8am
- Free bus transportation available to and from the Beacon Day Resource Center
- Extreme Weather Nights (e.g. temperature 20 or below): All guests, including those under suspension, may access the shelter, unless they have been informed otherwise
- Guests with vehicles can park in the shelter parking lot while using the shelter.
- Questions? Call (608) 416-1446
Shelter for Women: Salvation Army Women’s Shelter
- 630 East Washington Avenue
- Intake daily 5pm to 8:30pm – walk-in welcome, no need to call
- Open overnight, 5pm to 7:30am
- Extreme Weather Nights (e.g. temperature 20 or below): All guests may access shelter other than those suspended for violence
- Guests with vehicles can park in the shelter parking lot while using the shelter.
- Questions? Call (608) 250-2226
Shelter for Families with Children: Salvation Army Family Shelter
- Families in need of shelter should call the family shelter intake line, leaving name, family size and contact info.
- Typically has a waitlist used by Salvation Army and YWCA Family shelter
- Family shelter intake line: (608) 250-2298
Day Shelter: Beacon Day Resource Center
- 615 East Washington Avenue
- Open 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm
- Questions? Call (608) 826-8040
Day Shelter: Bethel Lutheran Church (Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY)
- 312 Wisconsin Avenue
- Open Tuesdays and Thursdays ONLY
Day Shelter: Porchlight Safe Haven
- 4006 Nakoosa Trail
- Open 7 days a week except holidays, 8:30am-6pm
- For adults with mental health challenges only
- Questions? Call (608) 241-9447 ext. 10
Weather Respite Hotel Program
- Activated during cold weather nights and extreme weather events for individuals and families unable to access shelters
- Accepts referrals from Salvation Army family shelter waitlist, school districts, and street outreach program through case conferencing
Does not accept self-report referrals or referrals from the public due to limited availability
**Monday, January 8 -Sunday, January 14th are Extreme Weather Nights for Porchlight Men's Shelter and The Salvation Army Women's Shelter. Similar to Safe Haven, this means that these shelters will also temporarily waive guest suspensions, allowing all guests, including those under suspension, to access shelter services.
(Updated 1/8/24)**
For immediate updates on the current day's designation as an "Extreme Weather Night" or "Cold Weather Night" please call United Way 2-1-1 or search their online database. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, and available any day, any time.
From the City of Madison Fire Department: While response times may be impacted by road conditions, the Madison Fire Department is fully staffed and available to respond to 911 fire, EMS, and CARES calls.
Please also consider the following:
- Be sure to shovel around your fire hydrants so there is a path three feet wide available on all sides for firefighters.
- Keep your exterior furnace vents clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
- Take care of yourself when shoveling. Do not over-exert yourself. Take plenty of breaks, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
