Multiple Pennsylvania municipalities have declared snow emergencies as a major winter storm approaches the state, with forecasts predicting up to 18 inches of snow in some areas beginning Saturday night.
According to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, snowfall is expected to begin overnight Saturday, January 24, with accumulations of 8-16 inches across most of Pennsylvania. The storm system will affect the entire state, with southern and central regions likely to see higher snow totals.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for south-central Pennsylvania counties including Somerset, Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster. The warning remains in effect from Saturday at 10 p.m. until Monday at 1 p.m., with potential accumulations between 10 and 18 inches.
"Snow will overspread the area late Saturday evening into Saturday night, becoming heavy at times through Sunday with accumulation rates of one to two inches per hour at times," the weather service stated. The agency warns that "travel could be very difficult to impossible" and advises delaying all travel if possible.
Dozens of municipalities have enacted emergency declarations, including York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and East Petersburg. These declarations typically prohibit parking on designated snow emergency routes to allow for efficient snow removal. Many communities are offering alternative parking locations for residents.
In York City, the snow emergency begins Saturday at 5 p.m., with vehicles prohibited from parking on affected streets. Free parking will be available at several city garages and lots. Similarly, East Petersburg Borough's snow emergency runs from Friday at 4 p.m. through Monday at 8 p.m.
PennDOT has announced Tier 4 vehicle restrictions beginning at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, January 25, which will prohibit certain types of vehicles from traveling on designated roadways.
Governor Josh Shapiro's administration has issued a disaster declaration to allow the Commonwealth to quickly access funding and provide state agencies with resources needed for response efforts. Officials are urging residents to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm
- Charge electronic devices
- Ensure adequate food and water supplies
- Use 511pa.com to view plow trucks in real time
- Call 211 for non-emergency assistance
For those who must travel, experts recommend checking routes beforehand, clearing vehicles of snow and ice, driving slowly, and carrying emergency supplies.
Cumberland County Municipalities With Declared Snow Emergencies
1. Hampden Township
- Status: Township‑wide Snow Emergency declared
- Effective: January 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
- Key Restrictions: No parking on public streets; towing enforced
- Source:
2. Borough of Newville
- Status: Winter Weather Emergency declared by the Mayor
- Context: Issued due to a National Weather Service Winter Storm Watch
- Source:
📝 Notes
- Cumberland County’s official alerts page currently lists only a Winter Storm Watch, not municipality‑specific snow emergencies. Individual boroughs/townships issue their own declarations
❄️ Dauphin County Municipalities With Declared Snow / Winter Emergencies
1. Middle Paxton Township
- Type: Snow & Ice Emergency + Cold Weather Advisory
- Declared: January 22, 2026
- Reason: NWS Winter Storm Watch for Dauphin County
- Scope: All public streets designated as snow‑emergency routes
- Authority: Emergency Management Coordinator & Township Manager
2. East Hanover Township
- Type: Declaration of Disaster Emergency
- Declared: Ahead of expected heavy snow, high winds, and storm impacts (Jan 24–26, 2026)
- Reason: Anticipated excessive snow, wind, infrastructure impacts, and need for emergency resources
Lower Paxton Township
Lower Paxton Township declared a snow emergency effective midnight Saturday, Jan. 24 until Monday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m.
All vehicles parked along snow emergency routes or they will be towed. Routes are available here.
Residents can move their vehicles to parking lots at local parks, though they are asked not to park near the lot entrance.
Lancaster County Snow Emergency Bulletin – January 2026
The following snow emergencies have been declared across Lancaster County ahead of the major winter storm expected this weekend. Please review parking rules, timing, and available free parking options.
🌨 City of Lancaster
Snow Emergency Begins:
- Saturday, January 24 at 12 p.m. Vehicles must be removed from snow‑emergency routes by 1 p.m. or face ticketing/towing. [cityoflanc...sterpa.gov]
- WGAL also reports the same start time and that tow fees begin at $300 + $45/hr for plow‑related removal. [wgal.com]
Parking Restrictions:
- No parking on designated Snow Emergency Routes until the emergency is lifted. Vehicles left on these routes will be towed. [cityoflanc...sterpa.gov]
Free Parking Locations:
Free parking available beginning 8 a.m. Saturday at the following Lancaster Parking Authority garages:
- Prince Street Garage – 111 N. Prince St.
- Water Street Garage – 220 N. Water St.
- East King Street Garage – 150 E. King St.
- Duke Street Garage – 150 N. Duke St.
- North Queen Street Garage – 424 N. Queen St.
- Penn Square Garage – 25–51 E. Vine St.
- Christian Street Garage – 148 N. Duke St.
- [cityoflanc...sterpa.gov]
Additional free parking starting 12 p.m. Saturday:
- Queen Street Station Garage (Red Rose Transit Authority) – N. Queen & W. Chestnut
- [cityoflanc...sterpa.gov]
Steinman Park Garage’s free‑parking status not confirmed as of 7:30 a.m. [cityoflanc...sterpa.gov]
Notes:
- City officials reiterate that cooperation is essential for plowing.
- Once the emergency ends, vehicles must be moved promptly as regular rates resume. [fox43.com]
🌨 East Petersburg Borough
Snow Emergency:
- Runs Friday 4 p.m. through Monday 8 p.m.
- Parking prohibited on snow‑emergency routes.
- Declared as part of regional emergency announcements.
- [whp580.iheart.com]
🌨 Countywide Warning Coverage
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Lancaster County from:
- Saturday 10 p.m. → Monday 1 p.m.
York County (from regional reports)
The following townships and boroughs in York County have declared snow emergencies:
- Conewago Township – Declared Friday; all vehicles and obstacles must be removed from roadways. [pa.gov]
- Paradise Township – Snow emergency from Saturday 3 p.m. to Tuesday 3 p.m. [pa.gov]
- Hanover Borough – Emergency begins Saturday 6 p.m. [pa.gov]
- Stewartstown Borough – Emergency from Saturday 8 p.m. through Monday noon. [pa.gov]
- Fairview Township – Emergency begins Saturday 11 p.m. [pa.gov]
- Shrewsbury Borough – Emergency Sunday through Monday noon. [pa.gov]
- Penn Township – Emergency begins Saturday 6 p.m. [pa.gov]