Winter 2026 Parking & Safety Reminders as Season’s First Snowfall Arrives

The City of Madison has declared the first Snow Emergency of the season. This officially activates alternate side parking enforcement until March 15, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to review the updated Alternate Side Parking Program for details.

For additional winter guidance, visit the City’s Winter Information page

Snow Emergency Parking & Winter Resources

Free Parking in City Garages During Declared Snow Emergencies:
During declared Snow Emergencies, free overnight parking is available in select City-operated garages. Signs at entrances will indicate availability.

Alternate Side Parking:
Between 1:00 am and 7:00 am, vehicles must park on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd dates, and the even-numbered side on even dates.  This applies to all areas outside of the Snow Emergency Zone during the winter enforcement period.

Snow Emergency Zone Information:
Residents within the Snow Emergency Zone are required to follow alternate side parking rules only during Declared Snow Emergencies. To learn if you park within the snow emergency zone, check posted signs in your area and visit the City of Madison website to review a map of the area.

Sign Up for Text & Email Alerts:
Get real-time notifications about Snow Emergencies and plowing operations.

Winter Weather Travel & Traffic Safety

As the first measurable snowfall arrives, the City of Madison reminds everyone to travel with extra caution:

• Roads may become slippery quickly—stay home if travel isn’t necessary.
• Increase following distance and allow extra time to stop.
• Leave early and plan for slower conditions.
• Drive at speeds appropriate for the weather.
• Keep a winter car emergency kit: blankets, scraper, flashlight, phone charger, water, and basic tools.

Regulatory Reminders

Snow-Covered Traffic Signals:
If a traffic signal is obscured by snow and cannot be read, treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

Downed Signs, Signals, or Streetlights:
Avoid damaged or downed equipment and report issues immediately,

During business hours (Monday – Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm) please call the Traffic Engineering office at 608-266‑4767.

Outside business hours, please follow the instructions below.

• Traffic Signals
• Streetlights
• Street Signs

If a traffic signal (red, yellow, and green lights) is not working, call 911.

If a streetlight is not working, report a street light outage online.

If a stop or yield sign is down or missing, call 911.
If any other sign is down or missing, report a street sign down online.

Thank you for helping keep our roads safe and navigable throughout the winter season.

Stay safe out there, Madison!