Snow Plowing Update: January 1, 2026

Bottom Line

With more snow falling today, Streets Division plows will once again be out on the salt routes. Be mindful of conditions as you travel through Madison. Expect to encounter snowy roads through the afternoon.

Details

Streets Division plows have been dispatched to the main thoroughfares in response to today’s snow event. Crews will be plowing and applying salt as needed to these 800 miles of traffic lanes. Streets Division plows will be on through the day and night working in response to the storm.

Today’s snow event is expected to produce little by way of accumulation (forecasts show maybe around a half inch) but still enough to disrupt your travel. The snow is expected to last through the late afternoon.

You should expect to encounter snowy roads through the afternoon and perhaps during the traditional rush hour as well.

Temperatures are quite cold.  When temperatures are below 20 degrees, salt becomes less effective when spread at our application rate. While air temperatures today are below 20, pavement temperatures are slightly above it.  In these conditions, salt on the roads will be effective, but it will work slowly. Essentially, the cold hurts road salt’s ability to turn snow back into water, so this means it is more likely you will encounter snowy and slippery areas on main thoroughfares.

Resolve to make good choices if you are on the roads today. Be ready to encounter slick spots, particularly in the unsalted residential areas. Be slow. Be patient. Allow yourself extra travel time so you can arrive at your destinations safely.

Streets Division staff will be monitoring the roads and the weather. Operations will adjust as conditions require to continue the response to this event.