Dauphin County, PA - Dauphin County Commissioners Justin Douglas, Mike Pries, and George P. Hartwick, III, today issued a formal declaration of disaster emergency in advance of the major winter storm the National Weather Service predicts will lead to double-digit snow accumulation Saturday night through Monday morning. Travel will be very difficult to impossible, and widespread and prolonged travel disruptions are expected. Frigid temperatures and sub-zero wind chills are expected before, during, and after the storm.

By issuing this declaration, attached here, the Dauphin County Commissioners are directing the Dauphin County Emergency Management Coordinator to coordinate the activities of the emergency response and authorize County officials to employ temporary workers, rent equipment, purchase supplies and materials, and conduct other work which may be necessary to respond to the storm.

The declaration is issued pursuant to the provisions of Section 7501 of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Services Code and will remain in effect until January 31, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to prioritize safety and be mindful of dangerous conditions. For those in need, Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven, Bethesda Mission Shelter, Downtown Daily Bread, Grace United Methodist Church (operated by Christian Churches United), and St. Stephen's are offering expanded hours and access to their services.

Declaration of Disaster Emergency January 2026