Shelters Open 24 Hours Statewide

(SMYRNA, Del.) – Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning statewide effective at 12:01 a.m. to coincide with the State of Emergency.  This driving warning will remain until further notice, and may be replaced by increased restrictions if road conditions worsen through the night. The restrictions are in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

A Level 1 Driving Warning means:

1. Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle.
2. Motorists are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.

Delawareans in need of assistance during the storm can call 211 for the following issues:

• Shelter
• Food
• Medical Care

Code Purple Shelters are open 24 hours statewide.

Code Purple Shelters provide emergency housing during severe winter weather to provide safe, warm overnight refuge, meals, and resources to unhoused populations.

The shelters can be contacted as follows:

• New Castle County – 302-652-8033
• Kent County – 1-800-733-6816
• Sussex County – 302-519-0024
• Or call 2-1-1

National Guard assets have begun deployment statewide as DelDOT begins snow removal operations this evening. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the entire forecast area until 1 pm Monday. The anticipated mix of snow, sleet, rain, wind gusts and plunging temperatures may result in downed trees, impacts to infrastructure and dangerous road conditions. Delawareans are strongly urged to heed all Driving Restrictions and Bans and to finalize preparations for families and the elderly to remain safely at home until further notice as conditions improve.

Residents should:

• Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions.
• Visit NWS’ Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware.
• Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. . Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app, which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions.
• Visit PrepareDE.org for full lists of emergency items for the home and car.

The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories.

NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware.

Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram

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