(Smyrna) – Officials at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) continue to monitor the storm that has dropped snow statewide since starting early Thursday evening. The Winter Storm Warnings statewide posted Thursday by the National Weather Service (NWS) remain in effect. NWS continues the forecast that as much as 6-8 inches of snow could fall in New Castle and Kent Counties, with 3-5 inches in Sussex County.
The weather is creating two problems for Delaware – snow accumulations with high winds, and bitter, dangerous freezing temperatures. Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties.
Winds are causing the snow to drift and create patchy areas on roadways, and extreme caution is needed by motorists. The extreme cold that accompanied the snow is creating other problems. Temperatures are in the teens overnight across Delaware; by morning, wind chills could be around -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who are going outside should dress warmly, in layers, as hypothermia is a possible hazard. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors.
Delaware State Police are reporting:
New Castle County
At this time road conditions remain the same. All major roads, are still snow covered, slick and wet. These roads include I-95, I-495, US 13, SR 141, US 40, SR 896, as well as all secondary roads, which are snow covered and slick. According to state police on the streets, all roads are open but dangerously slick and snow covered with drifting snow. Traffic has slowed some but still vehicles remain on the roadway. It is still snowing and very cold in New Castle Co. Drivers are cautioned to watch for drifting snow from strong winds. Visibility is low due to blowing snow.
Property Damage Accidents: 1
Personal Injury Accidents: 0
Disabled vehicles 10
Kent County
Roads are snow covered. Light snow and mist. On SR 1 at Exit 91, a white chevy HHR was left overnight, and will be removed during daylight.
Personal Injury Accidents 0
Property damage accident 3
Disabled Vehicles 5
Traffic Hazards 0
Sussex County
Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush. It is snowing, heavy at times.
Personal Injury Accidents 0
Property damage accident 2
Disabled Vehicles 4
DelDOT dropped the speed limit on I-495 to 45MPH early Thursday evening due to road conditions. DelDOT crews pre-treated state roadways during daylight hours on Thursday with brine, and continue salting and plowing roadways statewide.
DelDOT says from the area of I-95 north to the state line, Primary, Secondary, and Minor roads along with Bus Routes are snow covered. DelDOT says roads in New Castle County from Newark to the Kent County line, are wet & snow covered / Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered 2 to 4 inches. All roads are still passable at this time. In Kent County, Primaries, Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered with one and a half to 3 inches of snow. In Sussex, Secondary roads, Minor roads & Bus Routes are snow covered by a half-inch to 3 inches.