Politics & Government

Be Careful Of Black Ice During Morning Commute

And Then ... Dare We Say It? ... There May Be Sun

The rasping sounds of shovels, snowblowers, and snow plows making a few last passes filled the air in many Madison neighborhoods at dusk and just after dark Wednesday. Most residents found it hard going trying to remove the persistent layers of snow and ice that have accumulated recently as one storm has followed another.

They knew what the National Weather Service has also announced, that the cold temperatures combined with the leftover ice may prove a hazard late Wednesday and early Thursday.The National Weather Service says black ice could be a problem and urged motorists to proceed with caution.

"Black ice is expected," the National Weather Service said. "Most of the region has remained at or below freezing so black ice will remain especially on untreated roads and walkways. Ice covered tree limbs and power lines will become more susceptible to falling down with gusty west winds developing this evening."

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition, residents should use caution around any tall structures that could be supporting unstable ice, the National Weather Service said. "There will be some falling ice from tall structures, trees and wires, as well as possible failure of roof structures with combined weight of snow pack and ice."

But the good news is that the sun is expected to come out Thursday and that temperatures could rise above freezing at some point on Friday.

Find out what's happening in Madisonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here is the extended forecast, as of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service:

  • Tonight: A slight chance of snow showers before midnight. Patchy fog before 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind between 13 and 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. North wind around 11 mph.
  • Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 10. Northwest wind between 5 and 8 mph. 
  • Friday: Sunny, with a high near 32. West wind between 6 and 15 mph. 
  • Friday Night: A slight chance of snow after 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Saturday: A chance of snow before 9am, then snow and sleet likely between 9am and 10am, then rain likely after 10am. Cloudy and breezy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. 
  • Saturday Night: A chance of snow before 1am. Mostly cloudy and blustery, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. 

As always, check with the NWS website for the latest forecast.

 

 

 


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