Scranton Issues Code Blue Alert as Bitter Cold Returns

Frigid wind chills prompt emergency shelter openings over three nights

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Local officials in Scranton, Pennsylvania have declared a Code Blue Frigid Weather Alert for several nights as another blast of cold air moves into the region. The Code Blue will be in effect from Sunday night through early Wednesday morning due to dangerously low wind chills, with emergency shelters opening to protect vulnerable residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters

Code Blue alerts are issued when temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees, activating emergency plans to provide shelter and assistance to those most at risk during extreme cold weather. This helps ensure the safety of the community's most vulnerable populations during hazardous conditions.

The details

The Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Scranton announced the Code Blue alert, which will be in place from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, when wind chills are expected to dip to around 19 degrees. The alert will resume Monday at 8 p.m. through 7 a.m. Tuesday, with wind chills forecast near 11 degrees. A third overnight alert is scheduled from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday, with wind chills projected to fall to about 13 degrees.

  • The Code Blue alert will be in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, through 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
  • The Code Blue alert will resume on Monday at 8 p.m. through 7 a.m. Tuesday.
  • A third overnight Code Blue alert is scheduled from 8 p.m. Tuesday through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

The players

Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency

The agency responsible for declaring the Code Blue alert in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

City of Scranton

The local government that collaborated with the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency to issue the Code Blue alert.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The next update from county officials is expected Thursday, Feb. 23.

The takeaway

The Code Blue alert in Scranton highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and community support during hazardous winter weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of the population.