Winter Storm Prompts Closures and Service Suspensions Across Tri-State Area

Residents of Washington County, Maryland, Jefferson County, West Virginia, and Franklin County, Pennsylvania, are advised of significant disruptions to local services and government operations due to an anticipated winter storm. According to official announcements, all Washington County transit services will be suspended on Monday, January 26, 2026. Additionally, non-essential Washington County Government offices and facilities will also be closed on the same day.

Last updated 1/25/2026 11:49 PM

The decision to suspend transit services in Washington County is aimed at preventing potential risks to individuals traveling during the storm, which is expected to bring snow and ice, leading to challenging road conditions. Passengers, drivers, and staff are all considered in this safety-focused decision. Similarly, the closure of non-essential government offices and facilities in both counties is a direct response to the dangerous travel situations that are forecast. Essential services, including public safety and emergency response, are expected to continue operating as scheduled in Washington County to ensure continuity of critical functions.

Individuals relying on Washington County transit services are urged to make alternative transportation arrangements for Monday, January 26. Residents in both counties are also strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel during the period of hazardous weather. For the most current information regarding transit services in Washington County, residents are encouraged to utilize the Passio Go app, where important announcements and updates, including those related to storm disruptions, will be posted.

For Jefferson County, West Virginia, Jefferson County Commission offices and the courts will be closed Monday, January 26, 2025.

Shepherdstown, WV residents are advised that Town Hall will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to a weather emergency. Despite the closure of the administrative offices, all essential town services are expected to operate without interruption. This includes assistance related to the ongoing weather emergency, as well as the critical functions of the Police Department, Water Department, and Public Works.

Residents should be aware that trash and recycling collection will proceed on its regular schedule throughout the week. However, due to current weather and snow conditions, pickup times may be later than usual. The town is urging patience from residents as crews work to maintain services under challenging circumstances. For those requiring assistance, the Town Hall can be reached by phone at 304-876-2312. Town officials expressed their gratitude for the community’s understanding and emphasized the importance of safety for all residents.

Washington County Government plans to continually monitor weather forecasts and the condition of roadways. Updates on transit services and other potential operational changes will be disseminated through official County communication channels. These channels include the County website, local media outlets, and the County’s social media platforms. Franklin County will also be providing updates on its website, http://www.franklincountypa.gov, and social media pages, in addition to local television and radio stations, which include WGAL, ABC27, WCHA 800 AM, WIKZ 95.1 FM, WQCM 94.3 FM, WAYZ 104.7 FM, WBHB 101.5 FM, WNUZ 92.1 FM, and WEEO 103.7 FM. Franklin County employees are advised to call (717) 264-4125 for weather-related announcements.

In Franklin County, all government and court facilities are scheduled to be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, as well. These closures and suspensions are being implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the public, transit passengers, drivers, and government employees amidst hazardous winter weather conditions. The Regular Meeting of Chambersburg Town Council, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, is canceled and will not be rescheduled.

In addition to government services, Washington County Public Schools announced that schools will be closed for two days, Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27. For Monday, January 26, all Washington County Public Schools employees are designated as “Code Red.” The University System of Maryland | Hagerstown (USMH) will also be closed on Monday, January 26, due to the weather conditions.

Further announcements regarding any additional schedule changes for Franklin County are anticipated by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

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Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government, Jefferson County, Shepherdstown, Franklin County, Washington County Public Schools, and University System of Maryland | Hagerstown.

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