With roadway conditions continuing to deteriorate, Governor Carney on Thursday issued a State of Emergency for Sussex County and Level 2 Driving Restriction. The State of Emergency for Sussex County took effect at 2:00 p.m., and the Level 2 Driving Restriction took effect at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4. Governor Carney also authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

Delaware has a three-level system of driving warnings and restrictions. The levels are found in Title 20 of the Delaware Code, Subsection 3116(b)(12) and may be put in effect by the Governor during a State of Emergency for all or parts of Delaware based on conditions.

The Level 2 Driving Restriction means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel.” 

Level 2 – Driving Restriction Definition:
Travel on the roads is restricted to emergency workers, public utilities, healthcare providers including hospital staff, public and private operators of snow removal equipment, private sector food and fuel deliveries, and those industries, companies, or organizations that have been provided a waiver, including businesses with pressing continuity and operational issues.

Road Conditions Update:
In Sussex County, DelDOT is advising residents that this will be a prolonged clean up event due to the high winds, drifting snow, and extremely cold temperatures. DelDOT will continue to focus its efforts on plowing primary roads.

While Kent and New Castle Counties have seen lesser snow accumulations, high winds and drifting snow are still a hazard and motorists should be cautious of icy conditions due to the below freezing temperatures. DelDOT snow plows remain active in plowing and treating primary roadways.

DelDOT will continue to provide regular updates throughout the duration of the storm event.

UPDATED JANUARY 4, 2018:

As a result of the inclement weather, the planned closure of US 13 beginning Friday, January 5, 2018, is canceled.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that US 13 northbound under the SR 141/Basin Road Bridge will be closed to through traffic beginning at 8 PM on Friday, January 5. Local businesses will still be accessible via US 13 north and south.

US 13 southbound will remain open until approximately 6 AM on Saturday, January 6. At all times, the right lane on both US 13 northbound and southbound will remain open for the duration of the closure for access to local businesses. This work is anticipated to be completed by 5 AM on Monday, January 8. During this weekend closure, motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

Implementing this weekend closure will save significant time in the placement of the new deck panels as the contractor works toward the goal of reopening the bridge to traffic in late January.

Variable message boards will be in place to notify motorists of the upcoming closure with detour routes.

Local businesses, such as Airbase Carpet Mart and Arner’s Restaurant, will be OPEN and accessible to customers during the closure.

Detour Routes:

US 13 Southbound: Traffic will follow I-295 to south Route 9/New Castle Avenue to SR 273 west (Ferry Cut Off Street/Delaware Street/Frenchtown Road) to US 13.

US 13 Southbound (Local Traffic Detour): Traffic will follow US 13 southbound and take north US 202/SR 141 New Castle/Newport Exit Ramp. Follow northbound on US 202/SR 141 to Commons Boulevard/Airport Road south to SR 58/Churchmans Road east to SR 273 east and return to US 13.

US 13 Northbound: Traffic will turn east onto SR 273/Frenchtown Road to SR 141 north/Basin Road to Exit 1A/US 13/US 40 Wilmington/Delaware Memorial Bridge Exit Ramp.

An aerial map of the detour routes is available here: DelDOT 1/5-18/18 US 13 Detour

State of Delaware – Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies (SWCE) Alert

State of Delaware offices will remain closed in all three counties through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018.  Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. All employees should continue to check for updates. http://de.gov/closings

Only essential personnel to operate vehicles

WILMINGTON, Del. – With roadway conditions continuing to deteriorate, Governor Carney on Thursday issued a State of Emergency for Sussex County and Level 2 Driving Restriction. The State of Emergency for Sussex County took effect at 2:00 p.m., and the Level 2 Driving Restriction took effect at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4. Governor Carney also authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

A Level 1 driving warning had been in effect across Sussex County since 7:30 a.m.

The Level 2 Driving Restriction means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel.” 

“This is a serious storm, and Delawareans across Sussex County should stay off the roadways as conditions continue to worsen,” said Governor Carney. “That will help personnel from the Delaware Department of Transportation more effectively clear the roadways, and help us provide services to our neighbors most in need.”

Under Delaware law, the term “essential personnel” means employees or personnel who are necessary (1) to maintain the core functions of government, and (2) to maintain the health and safety of the people of Delaware.  The following persons are specifically designated as “essential personnel” under Delaware law:

• Operators of snow removal equipment (public and private);
• Persons providing public utility services;
• Persons providing healthcare services; and
• Persons providing food and fuel deliveries.

In addition to the above, employers who fall outside the above categories may apply for a waiver from the Level 2 Driving Restriction from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.  Waivers will be granted when a significant safety, health or business necessity is shown.  Waivers must be obtained in advance of emergency incidents. No waiver application will be granted within 21 days after receipt of the application for waiver, and applications will not be processed for approval during an emergency period.

Updated information from the National Weather Service indicates the following for Delaware:

New Castle County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect occasionally heavy snow and blowing snow through mid afternoon, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.

Kent County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect occasionally moderate snow and blowing snow through early this afternoon, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.
• Tree branches could fall.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

Sussex County

• A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
• Expect occasional blizzard conditions snow and blowing snow through mid or late afternoon, with snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches.
• Tree branches could fall.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

A Code Purple has been declared across the state to assist Delawareans in need of shelter. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1 or click the Code Purple button at www.delaware211.org. Or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112. If you see someone outside who appears to be homeless, encourage them to seek emergency shelter or call a non-emergency police number to alert the police to the situation.

The Delaware Division of Public Health reminds residents to protect themselves and animals during the winter storm.

The Governor urges media and residents to check social media for continuous updates:

twitter.com/JohnCarneyDE

facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE

twitter.com/DelawareDOT

twitter.com/DelawareEMA

Click here for a PDF of the State of the Emergency and Level 2 Driving Restriction for Sussex County due to a Severe Winter Storm.
Click here for a PDF of the Executive Order authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

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Driving warning effective immediately for Sussex

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday morning issued a Level 1 Driving Warning for Sussex County. The Driving Warning is in effect immediately Thursday, January 4, 2018.

A Level One Driving Warning means that any person operating a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways must exercise extra caution. Driving is not banned, but motorists are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.

Updated information from the National Weather Service indicates the following for Delaware:

New Castle County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect heavy snow and blowing snow, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.

Kent County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect heavy snow and blowing snow, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches. Tree branches could fall due to the weight of the snow.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

Sussex County

• A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
• Expect heavy snow and blowing snow, with snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches. Tree branches could fall due to the weight of the snow.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1 or click the Code Purple button at www.delaware211.org. Or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112. If you see someone outside who appears to be homeless, encourage them to seek emergency shelter or call a non-emergency police number to alert the police to the situation.

The Delaware Division of Public Health reminds residents to protect themselves and animals during winter storms.

The Governor urges media and residents to check social media for continuous updates:

https://www.facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE

twitter.com/DelawareEMA

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