The first snowfall of the season brought up to five inches to parts of the region.
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — South-central Pennsylvania saw its first snowfall of the season on Tuesday, bringing several inches of accumulation in northern parts of the region and prompting school cancellations across much of the area.
In Susquehanna Township, many families took advantage of the unexpected day off. Children were out playing in the fresh snow after schools shut down for the day, marking the first snow day of the year for many.
Resident Sierra Hitz said her four kids were thrilled to be outside enjoying the weather.
“It’s different because they’re home,” Hitz said. “This is their first snow day. So, for us, it’s something different. They’re having fun.”
For others, the snow day meant getting straight to work. Susquehanna Township resident Dana Wilson began snow blowing early, hoping to stay ahead of the changing conditions as the forecast shifted from snow to a wintry mix.
“I understand it’s going to be a wintery mix,” Wilson said. “So, if I get that snow off top and then salt it, I should be okay and then wait for the township to plow the streets and we’ll be in good shape.”
Plow trucks weren’t far behind. Susquehanna Township saw roughly three inches of snow, while northern Dauphin County picked up between four and nearly five inches. In contrast, much of York and Lancaster counties saw little more than a dusting.
For local public works departments, the snowfall served as the first major test of the season. Despite some tricky conditions early in the day, Susquehanna Township officials said crews were ready.
“We want to get the roads clear for emergency personnel, garbage trucks and anything else that needs to come through,” said Todd Webb, Susquehanna Township’s public works director.
“So, that’s our main focus — to get the roads open, cleared [and] throw some salt down,” Webb said. “[It’s] supposed to get a little bit closer to freezing tonight, so we don’t have that issue. And we should be good.”