Following a snow emergency warning issued Sunday, Madison and Dane County services have geared up to deal with the snow storms and low temperatures predicted for Monday and Wednesday.
While the city of Madison prepared buildings for possible frozen pipes, Dane County Regional Airport said they do not expect to see any change in their services due to either the snow storms early in the week or the extreme cold expected Wednesday.
Despite a few cancellations Monday, most of the airport’s operations were not affected, according to Brent Kyzer-McHenry, the airport’s director of marketing and communications.
“The airport is functioning on time and there are very few actual delays,” he said. “A majority of flights are going out on time today.”
Kyzer-McHenry also said they are not expecting delays on Wednesday due to the extreme cold weather.
“When the planes fly at 44,000 feet... it’s -65 degrees up there, the planes are designed to operate in cold weather,” he said.
According to the airport’s website, all arrivals and departures for the rest of Monday were on time.
Water services in Madison, however, are preparing for “record lows,” according to Amy Barrilleaux, the public information officer for Madison Water Utility.
She emphasized the need for residents to check basements and other vulnerable areas in homes for drafts and monitor their water temperature.
For students who rent apartments or homes, Barrilleaux recommended calling property managers or landlords if there is concern for cold air coming in to properties. She also cautioned against turning off heat in rooms or properties when students are leaving for more than a day.
“We’re going to have that warm-up on the weekend, and we’re hopeful that when it comes to the pipes, they’re going to be okay,” she said. “But we don’t know for sure what’s gonna happen when temperatures get that low.”
If residents are concerned about their water temperature or pipes, they are encouraged to call Madison Water Utility.
