A winter storm moving through the region Sunday has prompted a wave of school delays and significant travel restrictions across Pennsylvania and Maryland, as officials urge residents to exercise extreme caution through Monday morning.
As the Winter Olympics conclude and a groundhog-predicted winter stretch continues, educational institutions and government offices have adjusted their operations for Monday, Feb. 22.
The following school districts and institutions have announced changes to their schedule:
- Washington County Public Schools: Closed
- Waynesboro Area School District: FID day. Secondary instruction (grades 6-12) begins at 8:30, and elementary instruction (K-5) begins at 9:00.
- Greencastle-Antrim School District: two-hour delay
- Chambersburg Area School District: two-hour delay
- Franklin County Career and Technology Center: two-hour delay
- Fairfield Area School District: Closed
- Saint Andrew Catholic School: Closed
Additionally, Shippensburg University and Hagerstown Community College have a delayed opening until 10 a.m.
In Maryland, Washington County Government announced that liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential employees until 10 a.m. Monday, citing the school delays. While essential personnel are expected to report as scheduled, transit services may experience modified routes. The 40 West Landfill and all transfer stations are currently expected to open at normal operating hours.
On the roadways, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission have implemented aggressive vehicle restrictions. As of 6 p.m. Sunday, Tier 4 restrictions—which prohibit all commercial vehicles—went into effect on major arteries including I-78, I-80 (from I-81 to New Jersey), I-84, and the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike.
“Drivers are urged to watch weather forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel,” PennDOT officials said in a statement. Speed limits may be restricted to 45 mph on remaining open interstates, including the entire lengths of I-81 and I-83.
Under Tier 1 and Tier 4 plans, various vehicles—including motorcycles, RVs, and passenger vehicles towing trailers—are barred from affected interstates. Officials noted that last winter, Pennsylvania saw over 8,300 crashes on snowy or icy roads, resulting in 29 fatalities.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official government websites and the 511PA smartphone app for the latest updates on road conditions and scheduling changes.
