Oh s(no)w ❄️

Snow Emergencies in Madison

It may be the first, but we doubt it’ll be the last Snow Emergency of the season. | Photo by @izzy.larini

If you haven’t noticed by the sweet sound of snow plows trolling the streets in the dead of night, we are in the midst of our first Snow Emergency of the season.

If you’re new to the Midwest, it’s not as scary as it sounds, we promise. So let’s break it down; what does a Snow Emergency entail?

What is a Snow Emergency?

When Madison gets three or more inches of snow on our roads, the City must plow all of the residential streets. In order to get this done efficiently, a Snow Emergency is declared. Typically, these last 48 hours but may be extended if heavy snow persists.

How will I know if a Snow Emergency is declared?

The City will always declare a Snow Emergency by 9 p.m. the night before it commences. If you’re more of a 6 o’clock evening news person than a 10 o’clock one, here are some City resources to make sure you don’t miss the announcement:

Text | Sign up for text alerts
Email | Subscribe to the Declared Snow Emergency email list
Hotline | Call (608) 261-9111
Socials | Check the City’s Twitter + Facebook winter pages

What do we have to do?

The Streets Division spends the 48 hours of the declared emergency plowing all of the streets in the Snow Emergency Zone. If you park on any streets in this area, you have to follow the alternate side parking rules to make way for the plows during a declared emergency. Anyone parking on streets outside of the Snow Emergency Zone must follow alternate side parking every day, regardless of the weather.

Alternate side parking means that the side of the street we park on depends on the date. Before you go to bed, check if tomorrow’s date is an even number or an odd number. If it’s an even number, park on the side of the street that the even-numbered houses are on and vice versa. (Tomorrow is Dec. 17, so we should all be parked on the odd side of the street tonight.)

Pro tip: Fines for not following alternate side parking go from $20 to $60 during a Declared Snow Emergency, so be sure to stay in the (s)know.

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Dec. 16

Glitz | Friday, Dec. 16 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Majestic Madison, 115 King St., Madison | $10 | Dance the night away to the work of Christmas queens Mariah Carey + Whitney Houston at this drag event. 🪩

Saturday, Dec. 17

Santa Parade + Candy Cane Hunt | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 3-5:30 p.m. | Lakeview Park, 6300 Mendota Ave., Middleton | Free | Crafts, candy canes, and cocoa. Enjoy all of this and more at this year’s Santa parade.
Bird + Nature Adventures | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 10-11:30 a.m. | Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa St., Madison | Free | Join Master Naturalist Eva Roos for a fun and informal family-friendly guided walk. 🌲

Sunday, Dec. 18

Ha, Ha, Ha, Christmas Comedy Show | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 7-8 p.m. | Mercies Coffee, 1748 Eagan Rd., Madison | $10 | Usher in the holiday cheer with nationally known comedian Brett Hollis. His material is clean + enjoyable for all who attend. 🎭

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

27º | Evening snow showers | 33% chance of precipitation
Madison property owners may only use enough salt/chemical melting agents to remove the snow and ice. Any excess must be removed from the sidewalk once snow and ice are gone. Heads up, violators are subject to fines. 🧊

State

In the wake of our first big snow, WI Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek is advising Wisconsinites on how to handle winter storm damage claims. In addition to his assessment tips, he suggests homeowners make a habit of clearing snow from roofs + exterior vents. (WKOW)

Development

The vacant lot at 2007 Roth St. (near the old Oscar Meyer plant) may be home to a 550-unit affordable housing complex. Due to the industrial history of this area — the soil + groundwater are contaminated — this may affect the progression of this project. 🏗️ (Madison.com)

Environment

The US Climate Mayors network has a new chair — Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. This group works to create local climate leadership and build partnerships for federal and global climate action. Notably, Rhodes-Conway is the first female leader since the group’s inception. (Cap Times)

Holiday

Hanukkah sameach. This Sunday evening (Dec. 18) marks the beginning of Hanukkah — the Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. Celebrate with the Chabad of Madison during their Grand Menorah lighting at Hilldale. 🕎

Open

Check out the Overture Center’s newest exhibit: “Roots, Our Foundation.” This textile art display features the work of the Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists. These mixed-media pieces will be on display through Feb. 26. (Cap Times)

Shop

It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️

Travel

Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*

Finance

This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*

Outdoors

Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life? Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new members through Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *

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Food

608 Recipe Swap: Spiked Frozen Hot Cocoa

This one is for those of us who don’t want to wait for the hot cocoa to cool down. | Graphic by 608today team via Canva Pro

Today’s recipe comes from reader Melissa G. This boozy drink is perfect for any winter get-together. “The recipe makes two servings but it’s super easy to adjust.”

☕ Spiked Frozen Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1 package of hot cocoa mix
¼ cup Bailey’s
¼ cup Kahlua
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups ice cubes
Whipped cream + chocolate syrup (to top)

Whipped cream (optional)

1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender until well combined.

Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

For whipped cream:

Using a stand mixer, mix heavy whipping cream on high until fluffy.

Add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined.

Scoop into a piping bag (or a Ziplock with a snipped corner) to top your drink.

👋 Do you have a holiday recipe you want to share with the community? Let us know.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: I’m heading to the Glitter Workshop at Garver Feed Mill tonight for a candle pouring workshop. Stay tuned to our Instagram to see how my creation turns out.

Missed our last newsletter? We went over some New Year’s Eve events in the 608.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Ally Geiger, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Ana Gibson | Advertise with us.

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