Storm Report #3 – Monday March 17 (11:30am)

(Smyrna) – The Winter Storm Warning, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), will end at 12noon today, March 17th.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and Sussex counties are closed during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent or Sussex County were not to report to work for this period. Essential employees were to report as scheduled.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County opened at 10 a.m. State courts in Delaware followed the same schedules as other state offices, however 24-hour Justice of the Peace Courts are operating with normal schedules.

 The snowfall is tapering off but some areas may continue to see occasional flurries.  However, no additional accumulation is expected.  Snowfall amounts vary, but heavier accumulations occurred in the southern portion of the state.  The Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) lists the highest recorded amount so far in Selbyville where the snow measured 7.4 inches, with a low of 2.8 inches in the Newark area.

 The speed limit on Interstate 495 in New Castle County has been reduced to 55 MPH.  Primary and secondary roads throughout the state are generally reported to be snow covered and slippery.   DelDOT crews are plowing and salting roads, and in some areas sand is being used to augment the salt.

DART Fixed Route service statewide is operating normal schedules. Delays can be expected.  Paratransit is now operating normal service in all three counties.  The SEPTA Wilmington/Newark line is operating normal service.                          

All public schools in Delaware are now closed, along with some private schools.  Delaware State University campuses in Dover and Georgetown were closed for the day, but the Wilmington campus is opening at 12noon and will have evening classes on Monday.  Day and evening classes at the Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach campuses of Wilmington University were cancelled, while other university campuses cancelled daytime classes.  Wilmington University’s website advises that a decision will be made by 2pm regarding nighttime classes.  Wesley College announced on its website that Dover campus activities will begin at 12noon today.  Day and evening classes at the Terry and Owens campuses of Delaware Technical and Community College were cancelled, while the Wilmington/Stanton campus is opening at 12noon.  Goldey-Beacom College opened at 11am.  The University of Delaware Newark campus is operating normal hours, while the Hugh R. Sharp campus in Lewes is closed.  UD Extension offices in Kent and Sussex Counties are closed, as is the Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown.