NEWS
City warns residents to stay in tonight
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Also by Cara Harshman:
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by Cara Harshman
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
After a freakish day with temperatures early on in the mid-40’s, bitter cold and high winds return to Madison this afternoon and into the early morning Wednesday.
The National Weather Service declared a winter weather warning starting today at 2 p.m. until noon Wednesday. Intermittent snowfall and unusually strong winds are predicted for the rest of the day and into Wednesday morning. The snow is expected to ease up by Wednesday night with howling winds continuing until Thursday.
Sudden changes in wind direction are responsible for the drastic weather change, said Jon Martin, professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin Oceanic and Atmospheric Studies Department.
The sudden cold front sweeping through the Midwest is not unusual after such warm temperatures, Martin said.
“It is typical to see a sudden increase in temperature before such a forceful front like this,” he added.
Although weather reports predict only a few inches of snow, the howling wind and freezing roads and sidewalks will be Madison’s main problem, said Al Schumacher, streets superintendent.
“The temperature is dropping so drastically, the moisture we’ve had all day on the pavement will freeze,” he said. “Our crews will be out all night salting the main streets and sanding non-salt routes.”
Schumacher said blowing snow would not be as bad in the city and dense residential areas because buildings block it adding “rural areas will get it the worst.”
Martin said he does not expect schools to close in the Madison area because there will not be enough snow, just a ghastly wind chill.
“We are in for a really wild night tonight,” Martin added.
According to Schumacher, after school events for Madison area schools are canceled today.
Martin advised residents to refrain from driving, if possible because roads will be icy and traffic will be terrible.
“Give yourself plenty of time if you do need to travel,” Schumacher said. “But the best advice is stay in if you can.”
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 4:27pm):
schools wont close? what about UW students who have to walk everywhere? isn't a wind chill of -30 dangerous?
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 6:02pm):
This is Wisconsin. Go some place warmer if you can't handle a 15 minute walk in the cold--even the extreme cold.
Now, if there were 18 inches of snow falling, I'd understand closing school.
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 6:23pm):
if it's too cold for you, don't go to class. if your professor takes attendance, send a polite email explaining how far you would have to walk in the cold and your concern for your health. then, while you're sitting home, email a classmate for notes and spend some time getting over yourself.
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 9:33pm):
What a bunch of weaklings! I remember walking from Mansion Hill to the other side of Bascom Hill in deeper snow and colder temperatures!
AND it was uphill both ways too!
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 10:14pm):
Cancel class? Heck, I do that myself every day ...
Anonymous (January 29, 2008 @ 10:17pm):
Gees, you kids from Wisconsin priding yourself in being able to brave the cold. CONGRATU-FRICKIN-LATIONS. Stop being such a-holes.
Anonymous (January 30, 2008 @ 4:23pm):
4:27,
In five years, you'll write the following email:
Dear Boss,
Sorry I couldn't come to work today. It was too cold to go outside.
Sincerely,
Weakling
Three days later, you'll be searching for a new job.
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