Governor Markell Announces Lifting of State of Emergency in Kent, Sussex Counties

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he will lift the State of Emergency with Level One Driving Warning for Kent Countyeffective at 6 p.m. today, and for Sussex County at 8 p.m. The State of Emergency with a Level 1 Driving Warning was lifted in New Castle County at 2 p.m. Snow is still falling in Sussex County and most roads remain snow covered. Forecasts indicate temperatures across most of Delaware will drop to single digits overnight, meaning wet roads are likely to freeze. Drivers should continue to exercise caution if they must travel. DelDOT will continue to plow and salt roads as necessary and Code Purple locations have been activated across the state.

“Thousands of State and local government workers have been working across Delaware throughout the duration of this event and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts,” said Governor Markell.  “As precipitation comes to an end across the state, our focus turns to the extremely low temperatures that are expected overnight. Motorists should continue to be careful, as snowy and icy spots still exist.”

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Executive Department

Dover

 TERMINATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR KENT AND SUSSEX COUNTIES

      WHEREAS, since yesterday, the State of Delaware has experienced a significant accumulation of snow resulting from a winter storm, with the heaviest snow occurring in Kent and Sussex Counties; and

            WHEREAS, in connection with the winter storm, I declared a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware, effective as of midnight E.S.T. today; and

            WHEREAS, due to the improving condition of roads in New Castle County, I ended the State of Emergency in New Castle County effective as of 2:00 p.m. E.S.T. today; and

            WHEREAS, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Transportation and many state, and local organizations, road conditions are improving and most are passable for travel.

            NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, hereby declare:

1.      My declaration of a State of Emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning, dated Monday, March 3, 2014 is terminated for Kent County as of 6:00 PM E.S.T. today.

2.      My declaration of a State of Emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning, dated Monday, March 3, 2014 is terminated for Sussex County as of 8:00 PM E.S.T. today.

3.      Pursuant to 20 DEL. C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local activities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or his designee.

4.      Notwithstanding the foregoing, temperatures statewide are expected to be extremely cold tonight, and some roads remain snow-covered and icy.  Drivers and other persons are encouraged to exercise caution on the roads and in connection with outdoor activities.

APPROVED this 3rd day of March, 2014, at 5:15 p.m.