The National Weather Service in State College, Pennsylvania has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of Adams County, including Gettysburg Borough, in effect from Saturday morning (January 6, 2024) through Sunday morning (January 7, 2024). Weather computer model guidance continues to build confidence in a general 3–6 inch snowfall for Gettysburg. The possibility of mixing with sleet and rain remain, however, which may hold total snow accumulation closer to 3 inches.
IMPACTS: The worst travel conditions are expected Saturday afternoon through early Saturday night with snow rates around one inch per hour at times, creating snow covered roads and poor visibility.
A snow emergency will be issued for Gettysburg Borough once snow accumulations reach 2 inches. When this snow threshold is reached, Mayor Rita Frealing will issue the snow emergency for Gettysburg Borough, which invoke snow emergency powers provided by Borough Ordinance.
In a snow emergency, all main roadways and emergency routes will be the priority, while side streets and alleys will take the longest to clear of snow. The Borough asks for the public’s patience as the Borough’s crews work to keep roads and alleys passable.
All vehicles must be removed from snow emergency routes during a declared snow emergency. Enforcement to remove vehicles from snow emergency routes begin once a snow emergency is declared.
The following information is important for all residents and businesses to know:
- ALL residents and businesses (property owners) are responsible for clearing their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of precipitation. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine.
- Additionally, it is unlawful to place snow/ice in the street. Snow/ice must be cleared to a location other than a street. Gettysburg Police will be prepared to cite violators.
- The Borough also asks that residents clear snow from the areas surrounding fire hydrants. This allows the fire department better ability to timely respond to a fire emergency should one arise.
- No vehicles may be parked on a snow emergency route at any time the snow emergency is in effect.
- Removal of any vehicle along a snow emergency route is required. The Borough reserves the right to tow vehicles along a snow emergency route at the owner’s expense. Violators may also be subject to a fine. This action is crucial in order to adequately clear snow from curb to curb.
- Residents are encouraged to park vehicles at the Racehorse Alley (RHA) Parking Garage or at the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority (GARA) on Long Lane until the snow emergency is lifted. Parking fees and parking enforcement are suspended in the RHA Garage during a declared snow emergency. Normal parking fees and enforcement will resume once the snow emergency is lifted.
- Snow Emergency Routes are:
| Street | Side | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Barlow Street | North | From Hazel Alley to Markley Alley |
| Breckenridge Street | North | From Baltimore Street to South Franklin Street |
| Highland Avenue | Both | From Johns Avenue to Queen Street |
| Hillcrest Place | Both | From Locust Street to its terminus |
| Howard Avenue | West | From Buford Avenue to West High Street |
| Lincoln Square | Both | Entire Length |
| West Middle Street | Both | From Baltimore Street to the Borough limit |
| Seminary Avenue | South | From Buford Avenue to North Hay Street |
| South Street | North | From Baltimore Street to South Washington Street |
| Springs Avenue | North | From West Street to Reynolds Avenue |
| Springs Avenue | South | From West Street to the Tiber (Stevens Run) |
| Village Drive | Both | In the cul-de-sac only |
| South Washington Street | West | From South Street in a southerly direction to a point 90 feet south of the southernmost access driveway entrance of the Gettysburg Hospital on and adjacent to South Washington Street |