Snow Plowing Update: 11/30/2025
Bottom Line:
Citywide plowing began at midnight and the work continues into November 30. Due to the significant snow depth, progress has been slow. Work will continue into the afternoon.
Higher winds today mean some areas could see drifting concerns, especially on the far edges of Madison that are near open fields.
The snow emergency continues this evening. Alternate side parking rules remain in effect tonight.
Leaf collection is suspended. Collection resumes in the spring of 2026.
Response Details
The citywide plowing operations began as expected with crews from Streets, Forestry, Engineering, Parks and heavy equipment contractors heading out to push snow back from the road to the curb.
As of the publication of this release (around 9:30am on Sunday, 11/30), the response is ongoing with some hours still left.
The depth of this snowstorm is slowing progress. When snow is very deep, it is heavier and harder to move around, making the progress for plows much slower.
Work on pushing snow from the roughly 200 miles of city-maintained sidewalks and paths on top of the 1,000-plus bus stops is also ongoing.
We appreciate your patience as we continue to work around the clock to clean up from this storm.
The initial plowing will be completed later today. However, we may not reach the finish line for plowing until after our initial estimate of 2pm today, which is what that was provided yesterday.
Further clean up operations will also be on the docket for our crews over the next several days.
Travel Though Madison on 11/30/25
Higher winds this morning could cause some drifting issues particularly in outlying areas of Madison where the drier snow could be blown across the roads. Forecasts show these higher winds dissipating in the afternoon.
Other pockets of the city will see improving driving conditions as the plowing operation continues.
On major thoroughfares, the salt applied during the storm is working due to favorable temperatures. Conditions will continue to improve throughout the day.
With that said, slippery and snowy spots remain. Please make good choices on your travels. Stay slow. Stay alert. Do not become overconfident.
Snow Emergency Continues Tonight
Remember to follow alternate side parking rules again tonight throughout all of Madison.
Many vehicles were ticketed and towed because they didn’t follow the rules.
When you don’t follow alternate side parking rules, you make snowplowing worse on your street. Please help yourself and your neighbors by following the parking rules.
Don’t Put Your Trash & Recycling Carts in the Street
Just like a parked car, trash and recycling carts block snowplows from getting snow back to the curb. This causes the roads we all use to get narrower as snow builds up over the season.
Use your driveway apron for you trash and recycling carts or use a cleared off area of your terrace.
More About Citywide Plowing
As crews are still working in neighborhoods, please remember to keep your distance from plowing equipment so they can do their work.
If you are venturing forth on the roads while the citywide plowing is ongoing, you could encounter blockages of snow along cross streets. This is a normal part of the snowplowing process as snow falls off the plows and into the gaps where the curb and gutter do not exist. As plows circle through the blocks of neighborhood streets again and again, these temporary windrows of snow will be pushed back to the curb. It just takes time for the truck, or trucks, working where you live to make it everywhere.
Also, just like with cross streets, snow falls into driveways when plows pass them. The gap in the curb means snow falls fall the plow blade and into that gap. It is not deliberate.
Cleanup Work Will Last for Days Ahead
Over the next several days, Streets Division crews will be out in an ongoing response to this snow. Crews will be doing snow removal work to widen streets, plowing back areas, applying sand to slippery areas, and so on. Winter, it appears, has locked in early this year compared to what we have seen in the recent past.
Leaf Collection Suspended
Considering the severity of this storm, the cleanup work it has created for the days ahead on top of the chance of more snow later this week – leaf collection is suspended for the season.
The next collection opportunity residents should expect will be in the spring of 2026.
Drop-off sites return to their posted hours on December 1, 2025.
In conclusion…
Streets Division staff will continue to monitor the roads and the weather. Operations will adjust as conditions require, and future updates will be provided.
