Winter Storm Watch issued for Gettysburg Borough as winter storm Fern approaches

Gettysburg Borough officials are urging residents to prepare now for Winter Storm Fern, a significant winter weather system being monitored by the National Weather Service (NWS) and Gettysburg Borough that is expected to impact the region this weekend into early next week.

Storm Timing and Impacts

According to the latest National Weather Service forecasts and regional meteorologists, Winter Storm Fern is expected to begin affecting the area late Saturday night into Sunday, with snow developing overnight and continuing Sunday morning and afternoon. Heavier bands of snow could produce periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, potentially leading to hazardous travel conditions and reduced visibility.

Forecasters indicate that snow totals in our region could reach greater than 12 inches through the event — though exact amounts will depend on the storm track and temperature profile as the system evolves.

In addition to snow, the storm is likely to bring strong winds and bitter cold temperatures, resulting in blowing and drifting snow and dangerous wind chill values. Travel across the Borough and Adams County may be severely impacted Sunday into Monday.

Gettysburg Borough is closely monitoring NWS advisories and will issue additional guidance if conditions warrant. Borough crews are preparing equipment and materials to support snow removal operations and keep roadway and public safety infrastructure clear, as conditions allow.

The last time Gettysburg recorded over 12 inches of snow from a single event was during the storm in February 2024, when widespread snow exceeded one foot across parts of Adams County and neighboring regions.

Snow Emergency Information
If weather conditions worsen and a snow emergency is declared in Gettysburg Borough:

• All residents must remove vehicles from designated snow emergency routes to allow for plowing and emergency access.
• Property owners and residents are required to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours after the cessation of precipitation.
• For those without off-street parking options, the Racehorse Alley Garage and GARA parking lot will be available as alternate parking locations during a snow emergency.
• Parking Fees in the Racehorse Alley Garage and on-street meters will be waived while parking enforcement is suspended during an official snow emergency declaration.

Extreme Cold to Follow
Regardless of how much snow does fall, brutal and extreme cold will follow the storm and last through much of the upcoming week

Residents are encouraged to sign up for local alerts, check official National Weather Service updates frequently, and make preparations now for potential travel disruptions and hazardous conditions. Stay safe and stay informed as this winter storm unfolds.