Common Council

Update for the April 27 Snow Event

Forecasts for Saturday show rain changing to snow as the day wears on – and the Streets Division plows are ready to go. 
 
Temperatures will hover around freezing, and road temperatures will be warm, so the initial snowfall will likely melt. However, as the storm intensifies and the temperatures drop, the snow may begin to accumulate on the roads.
 
The Streets Division will have 30 plow truck operators on standby ready to be deployed if needed.  If the trucks are deployed, they will plow the snow off the main thoroughfares of Madison and keep them open during the course of the storm. 
 
The Streets Division hopes to avoid using salt on the roads during this event. If the snow does begin to accumulate, plowing alone should be sufficient to keep the roads clear. However, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing Saturday night into Sunday morning. This means some salting may be required on certain spots of the designated salt routes. Streets Division staff will be carefully monitoring this through the night.
 
Those traveling through Madison on Saturday are encouraged to make good choices. Remember to allow for extra stopping distance, and travel time. Travel on some of the outlying areas of Madison may be difficult during the storm as winds are expected to be high as well.
 
Please note, too, that the Streets Division yard waste only drop-off site at 402 South Point Rd will be closed on Saturday, April 27 due to the weather. However, the drop-off sites at 1501 W. Badger Rd and 4602 Sycamore Ave. will be open. All three sites will be open for normal hours on Sunday, April 28. For more information about the drop-off sites, visit the Streets Division website.
 
This snowfall is expected to be particularly wet and heavy, and also short-lived. Forecasts call for plenty of sunshine on Sunday with temperatures approaching 50 degrees. While traveling through Madison may be difficult on Saturday, especially in residential areas, by mid-Sunday morning much of the snow on the roads will have melted once the "solar shovel" gets to work.
 
The Streets Division will continue to monitor the roads and the weather. Future updates will be provided as conditions require.