Storm update: Classes, events canceled Wednesday, snow clearance begins

Crews at the University of Wisconsin–Madison began to dig out from a crippling winter storm that forced cancellation of classes and events on campus Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Overall, authorities reported that the campus was quiet overnight and there are no reports of any problems beyond travel. Essential services at the university are fully functional.

Campus officials repeated that essential employees must report and follow their department guidelines and policies. Other employees will follow the inclement weather policy that outlines attendance and leave policies. See http://www.news.wisc.edu/18904 for more information.

Non-essential employees are required to use appropriate leave (i.e., vacation, personal holiday, furlough, etc.) to be excused from the work day Wednesday. Officials urged employees with questions to contact their supervisors with questions.

The big job of clearing the drifted snow from campus roads, parking lots and walkways began early Wednesday. Officials report that they have 25 pieces of equipment out and are making good progress at clearing snow.

UW crews hope to have all campus streets and lot access open by 8 a.m. They will continue to clear roads until 3 p.m. They will begin again at 1 a.m. on Thursday. Custodial crews are arriving and will begin clearing building access.

City and county main arteries are being worked on but sections may not be passable. Many secondary roads are impassable to all but high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles. Because of the snow, Madison Metro is not operating.

Parts of the Interstate system in the Milwaukee area are closed.