Snow began falling around 3:00 a.m. Sunday and continued steadily through Sunday and Monday, finally tapering off around early Monday. The prolonged storm brought heavy snowfall rates at times, leading to widespread accumulations throughout the county.
According to the National Weather Service, storm totals across Schuylkill County included:
- Shenandoah - 15.0 inches
- Tuscarora - 13.0 inches
- Snyders - 11.9 inches
- Ringtown - 11.5 inches
- Pine Grove - 11.0 inches
- Auburn - 11.0 inches
- Summit Station - 10.0 inches
- Auburn - 10.0 inches
- Tower City - 9.3 inches
- Valley View - 9.2 inches
The storm forced school closures on Monday, with districts taking a mix of traditional snow days and virtual learning days. Looking ahead, nearly all Schuylkill County school districts are closed on Tuesday, with most shifting to virtual learning as crews continue cleanup and dangerously cold conditions persist.
Road crews and municipal workers spent much of Monday plowing and treating major roadways, while some municipalities began the snow removal process, hauling snow from downtown areas and narrowing streets to improve safety and access.
Emergency officials continued to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel as secondary roads and residential streets remained snow-covered and icy in spots.
Following the snow, an arctic air mass moved into the region, sending temperatures plunging well below normal. Wind chills are expected to drop to near -15 degrees from Monday night into Tuesday morning, creating dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors.
The extreme cold significantly increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, with exposed skin potentially freezing in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers, and check on elderly neighbors and those without adequate heat.
Skook News will continue to provide storm recovery updates, school information, and road conditions as Schuylkill County works to dig out from this major winter event.