Winter Storm Targets Madison: Latest Forecast, Cancellations, Parking Ban

MADISON, CT — With a major winter storm expected to sweep through the region, Madison and other Connecticut communities are taking precautions to keep roads clear and residents safe.

Gov. Ned Lamont has already activated Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, and Madison officials are closely monitoring the major winter storm forecast to impact the region beginning Sunday morning, January 25, with hazardous conditions expected to continue into Monday.

Southern Connecticut is expected to get between eight and 14 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, according to the National Weather Service. Sleet may mix in with the snow in southern areas of the state, reducing the total accumulation, and coastal Connecticut may end up getting the lower end of the range.

Madison officials issued the following statement Friday afternoon about the pending storm:

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect until Monday, January 26, 2026.
Currently, snowfall is expected to begin early Sunday morning (01/25), and taper off on Monday (01/26), with total accumulation for southern CT now estimated between 10-16”, with the possibility of sleet mixing in Sunday evening.

Wind gusts of up to 20-30MPH are expected, with occasional higher gusts possible along the shoreline. The winds may lead to brief periods of near-blizzard or blizzard-like conditions, but it does not appear that the winds will sustain to meet the threshold for blizzard conditions at this time.

Please keep in mind that timing and accumulation totals are still changing frequently as the forecast updates.

A parking ban will be in effect from midnight Saturday (01/24 into 01/25) through 7:00AM Tuesday morning (01/27); on-street parking of any vehicle on any roadway, street, or highway within the Town will be prohibited during this time. Any vehicles remaining on any roadway, street, or highway within the town after 7:00AM on Sunday (01/25) will be subject to towing.

Additionally, the Town Gym, Memorial Town Hall, and the Senior Center will be CLOSED on Sunday (01/25), and the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday (01/26) has been moved to zoom only.

While no coastal flooding and no significant impact to power are expected at this time, remember:

• Secure any items that may be affected by strong wind
  
• Always treat downed wires as if they are live and dangerous – do not approach or touch them

• Fully charge devices ahead of the storm (including portable chargers/power banks), check flashlights, and plan for possible power issues
• In the event of power outages, be sure to run generators outdoors and away from windows and doors
• Limit travel and time outside if you are able
• Give plows plenty of space
• Do not drive around barricades

All residents and local business owners are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge, the Town’s mass-communications system, especially with the incoming storm. Signing up for Town Alerts helps you stay informed and in turn, stay safe. To sign up, visit our website.

Additional updates will be posted as more information becomes available.

Stay safe, Madison!

As of Friday morning, Madison Public Schools had not announced school closures for Monday, but a decision on whether to close schools could come before Monday morning.

"A winter storm is expected to impact our area this Sunday," Madison police officials wrote on Facebook. "As of right now, Weather.com is predicting over 12 inches of snow for most of Connecticut. Snow is expected to begin early in the day, but please keep in mind that timing and snowfall totals are still changing hour by hour as the forecast updates."

From the police announcement:

•Cold Temps: Upper teens to low 20s
•Wind Chill: Expected to be below 0°F

Please prepare now:
•Limit travel if you can, especially during the heaviest snow
•Give plows plenty of space
•Dress in layers and cover exposed skin if you need to be outside
•Charge devices, check flashlights, and plan for possible power issues
•Bring pets inside and check on neighbors who may need help

For any emergency announcements and potential road closures, please follow the Madison PD page for the most up-to-date information.

Stay safe, Madison.