Much of Adams County was at a standstill this morning, Monday morning, Jan. 26, as Winter Storm Fern continued to bring snow, blowing drifts, and dangerous cold to the region, prompting widespread closures and travel restrictions.
A Winter Storm Warning remained in effect through 1 p.m. Monday, with officials warning that hazardous conditions would persist through the morning hours. Snow-covered roads, drifting snow, and reduced visibility were reported across the county, making travel difficult even for essential trips.
All Adams County government and court offices were closed for the day due to the storm. Municipal services were also affected, with trash and recycling collections expected to run behind schedule. Regional landfill closures are likely to push collections back by at least one day, according to local officials.
Several municipalities declared snow emergencies. Conewago Township enacted a snow emergency through 6 p.m. Monday, prohibiting parking on designated snow emergency routes. Bendersville Borough also issued a snow emergency, effective until 5 p.m., and Cumberland Township offices were closed as conditions worsened overnight.
School districts across the region canceled classes Monday, joining a growing list of closures as the storm moved through south-central Pennsylvania. Many offices and businesses either closed entirely or shifted to remote operations as road conditions deteriorated.
Emergency management officials continued to urge residents to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary. Plow crews worked through the night and into Monday morning, but rapidly changing conditions and blowing snow made it difficult to keep roads fully clear.
In addition to the snowfall, dangerously cold air has settled over the area. A cold weather advisory is scheduled to take effect at 7 p.m. Monday and continue through 10 a.m. Tuesday, with wind chills expected to dip as low as 15 degrees below zero. Officials warned that exposed skin could be at risk for frostbite in a short period of time under those conditions.
The cold is expected to linger well beyond the storm itself. Forecasters say temperatures will remain well below normal throughout the week, with daytime highs struggling to climb out of the teens and lower 20s and overnight lows dropping into the single digits. Gusty winds could keep wind chills near or below zero on several mornings, prolonging hazardous conditions even after snow ends.
Source: County of Adams, savvycitizen, Weather Channel, WGAL