(Smyrna) – State offices are closed today, Friday, January 3, 2014 during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. Public schools will also be closed in Delaware. Some private and charter schools have already reported closures. Listen to local radio, watch television or check district and school websites for details.
Snow fell across the state overnight with various readings of accumulation, some as high as 7 inches. Generally, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), Sussex County received 3 inches of snow, while 4-7 inches blanketed the rest of the state. Winter Storm Warnings posted by the National Weather Service remain in effect. Snow should be tapering off through morning today.
Emergency crews will be dealing with high winds. The top layer of snow is very light and winds will cause it to drift. The bottom layer of snow is mostly ice because the early snowfall consisted of a wet snow. DelDOT crews have been kept busy overnight trying to keep major roads clear, but drifting snow will cause plows to have to return to previously cleared roads, which will further delay DelDOT crews in their efforts to begin working on secondary and minor roads, and bus routes.
Gale warnings are posted along the coast and parts of the Delaware Bay, and Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect statewide.
Extreme cold during the day will also cause dangerous conditions for people who venture out. Temperatures are expected to drop as the day goes along, and by tonight, some areas may see actual temperatures around 0°F, with wind chills below zero. If people have to go out, they should dress in layers to stay warm. Hypothermia is a very real hazard in these conditions. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors. Limit time spent outside clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks and vehicles.
Delaware State Police are reporting:
New Castle County
Road conditions are still the same, there are some lanes that are clear, but still others that are snow covered. TMC is working on main rds, 95,495, but some of the other main rds are down to one lane. Traffic is starting to pick up out on the road ways. Snow in New Castle Co has tapered off, but it remains very cold with strong winds and blowing snow.
Property Damage Accidents: 0
Personal Injury Accidents: 0
Disabled vehicles 2
Kent County
Roads are snow covered and slippery. Lights snow is falling with some drifting.
Personal Injury Accidents 0
Property damage accident 3
Disabled Vehicles 6
Traffic Hazards 0
Sussex County
Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush. Secondary roads have drifts in some spots making them unpassable in the northern to central areas of county. Hardscrabble Rd in the area of Cross Keys Rd has power line down, fire units on scene. Still snowing at this time with some drifting on already plowed roads.
Personal Injury Accidents 0
Property damage accident 4
Disabled Vehicles 2
Despite trucks working overnight, DelDOT says that major roads across the state remain snow covered, with ice in some areas. DelDOT is asking people who do not have to go out to stay at home. Roads are not clear, and motorists run the risk of getting stuck in snow on secondary and minor roads. Extremely low temperatures and wind chills will make pushing a stuck vehicle a dangerous proposition.