Winter storm to bring 6 to 10 inches or more of snow with hazardous driving conditions

SMYRNA, Del. – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and other agencies are preparing for a major winter storm that is expected to impact the state starting Sunday night. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning with 6 to 10 inches or more of snow expected by Tuesday morning. Heavier snow could begin Monday around 6 a.m., with snowfall rates of one inch an hour possible. Cold temperatures and gusty winds will make travel difficult, especially during the morning and evening commutes.

Governor John Carney on Sunday activated the Delaware National Guard to support storm response operations. DEMA is also activating its Emergency Operations Center in Smyrna and coordinating with state, county, and local partners to meet ongoing needs for the duration of the event.

Driving restrictions are not issued at this time. However, based on weather and roadway conditions, state officials could issue driving restrictions such as a Level 1 Driving Warning, which cautions motorists of adverse weather conditions and urges them to stay off the road if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are asked to use caution and common sense. More stringent driving restrictions – such as a Level 2 Restriction or a Level 3 Driving Ban – would only be issued under a declared State of Emergency and are authorized under Delaware Code, Title 20, Chapter 31.
 

 
DelDOT has 300 pieces of snow removal equipment, including snowplows, brining equipment, and salt trucks, and have been brining roads throughout the state today. Crews will begin plowing operations starting around 2 a.m. on Monday and will continue throughout the storm. The focus will be ensuring major routes such as I-95, Route 1, Route 13, and Route 113 remain open and passable. Secondary roads and streets in subdivisions could be slippery and snow-covered: state officials urge everyone to exercise caution when driving.

“DelDOT crews will be working throughout the storm to clear and treat roads across the state, however, cold temperatures and continued snowfall could cause roads and bridges to be hazardous as the day progresses,” said Acting Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings. “Please slow down and adapt driving to the conditions if you must be out.”

DelDOT offers many resources for updates on traffic and road conditions, such as the DelDOT mobile app. DelDOT’s Traffic Management Center broadcasts 24 hours a day at 1380 AM and is live-streamed on deldot.gov.

Winter Driving and Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that your windshield is completely clear of snow and ice and that you also clear snow off the top of your vehicle and the bed of your pickup trucks.
2. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
3. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of his vehicle.
4. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than high beams.
5. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
6. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see.
7. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Even though you are taking precautions, you need reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or stop light.
8. Wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in a wreck, your seatbelt will help you control the vehicle and improve your chances of escaping serious injury or death by nearly 50%.
9. If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic. Don’t hit the brakes hard. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes, shift the car or truck into neutral and steer in the direction you want your car to go until the skid is over. If you don’t have ABS, apply pressure to the brakes, just short of locking them up, release the pressure, and re-apply at a lower level.

Visit PrepareDE.org for more tips on preparing for winter storms or this year’s Winter Weather Week news release.

Resources:

• DELDOT advisories: https://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/#advisories
• DEOS-Snow gauges: http://deos.udel.edu/applications/snow-conditions/#/
• State Office closure notifications https://dhr.delaware.gov/closings/
• National Weather Service, Mount Holly https://www.weather.gov/phi/

Social Media:

Delaware Department of Transportation on Facebook and X
Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram

CONTACT:
C.R. McLeod, DelDOT
C: (302) 388-2303
E: charles.mcleod@delaware.gov

John Petersen, DSHS
C: (302) 233-8180
E: john.petersen@delaware.gov

Hunters and Anyone Encountering Dead or Sick Wild Birds, Especially Snow Geese, Are Advised to Report Location to State Authorities

DOVER, Del. (Dec. 28, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced today that laboratory testing conducted by the University of Delaware’s Allen Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, has returned presumptive positive findings of H5 avian influenza in sick and dead snow geese collected on December 27, 2024, in coastal Sussex County. In response to the findings, the state of Delaware has established a Joint Information Center with DNREC, DDA, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).

The detections mark the Delmarva region’s most recent confirmation of H5 avian influenza in wild birds since May 2022, when the virus was found through wildlife surveillance in black vultures in Harford County, Md. Avian influenza is known to be carried by wild birds, especially waterfowl, raptors, and vultures.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. Snow geese, which are waterfowl, are known to migrate from the Arctic and form large flocks in Delaware each winter. Due to close contact with thousands of other snow geese while feeding and roosting, they can get sick and die. It is unknown when or where the snow geese may have acquired the virus given their highly migratory nature and association with other waterfowl and waterbirds throughout the Atlantic Flyway through which they travel into Delaware and more southern states.

People should not touch or handle injured, sick, or dead birds. Special attention should be paid to keep pets and children away from these wild birds and bird droppings.

Even with the ongoing detections of HPAI in wild birds, poultry, and dairy cattle in North America, continuing testing of people who are in close contact with infected animals indicates a low risk to the general public’s health. The H5N1 virus has infected very few people and has not been documented to be transmitted between people. The proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

If you see a sick or dead bird:

1. Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds on private or public property is asked to report their findings immediately to State Authorities.

• Call the DNREC Wildlife Section at 1-302-739-9912 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Report sightings after hours, weekends, and holidays, report sightings through the -DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s sick and injured wildlife reporting form.
• Notify DDA if you find dead or sick wild birds on your farm at poultry.health@delaware.gov.

2. If a resident finds a dead bird on their property, they should wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, a mask and safety glasses, to dispose of it. Double-bag each dead bird found, zip-tie the bag and put it in the trash bin for pickup and disposal at a Delaware Solid Waste Authority landfill. Carefully remove and dispose of all PPE in the dedicated trash and always wash your hands.
3. DNREC also reminds hunters to be cautious when afield handling their harvests of duck and geese as the waterfowl season continues in Delaware. If you are a waterfowl hunter or come across a dead or sick bird, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services website for additional information on proper protocols for contact with a wild bird that may have contracted HPAI.

Since the initial presumptive positive detection this week in Sussex County, more than 40 birds have been reported to DNREC, including snow geese found at Prime Hook Beach. A total count of sick birds cannot be confirmed because wild birds often get sick and die where the public cannot see them. Snow geese fly long distances, which means infected geese may die in other locations and transmit the virus to other birds, including poultry.

Poultry and Livestock Producers
Considering this presumptive positive detection in snow geese, all Delaware poultry and livestock owners need to continue increased vigilance in protecting their animals from contracting avian influenza. Follow these steps to help manage wildlife and keep avian influenza off your farm:

• Cover waste. Keep mortality and compost piles covered at all times. The recommendation is one part mortalities to two parts litter, with birds in layers no more than 5 inches deep and not placed next to sidewalls. Cover mortalities daily with litter. Cover the bins with netting or a screen to keep vultures and other wildlife away.
• Remove standing water adjacent to poultry houses and livestock barns. Grade property to avoid pooling water. Fill or grade areas where water stands for more than 48 hours after heavy rainfall. Don’t walk or move equipment through or near standing water – this could track wildlife fecal matter or other contaminants with the virus into your barns. Never use untreated surface water for watering birds, cleaning poultry barns, or other livestock facilities.
• Manage ponds and basins on farms. Prune or remove plants from banks of artificial water structures. Use wire grids, predator decoys, and scare devices to keep waterfowl away. Use fencing to separate natural ponds from the active area around barns.
• Secure buildings. Regularly check and repair damaged screens on windows and doors and holes in barn walls. Install netting or screens and use repellent gel or bird spikes to deter perching. Wash away or remove old nests before each nesting season. It is unlawful to remove nests with eggs or young birds in them.
• Reduce food sources. Don’t feed wildlife. Remove spilled or uneaten feed immediately and ensure feed storage units are secure and free of holes. Wild birds can carry HPAI.
• Use decoys. Install decoys and scare devices and move them often so wildlife doesn’t get used to them.If you have sick poultry or experience increased mortality in your flock:
• Commercial poultry producers should contact the company they grow for when they notice signs of disease.
• Delaware backyard flock owners who notice any signs of HPAI in their flock should email the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at poultry.health@delaware.gov or call 302-698-4507 and provide your contact information, size of flock, location, and concerns.

For more information on avian influenza, visit https://de.gov/poultry.

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Media Contacts:
All media inquiries should be directed to the Delaware Avian Influenza Joint Information Center at JIC@delaware.gov. This is monitored by the following agency communications staff:
DNREC: Michael Globetti, Community Affairs Coordinator
DDA: Stacey Hofmann, Chief of Community Relations
DPH: Kelly Callahan, Delaware Division of Public Health
DEMA: Nikki Testa, Senior Administrator/Community Outreach

SMYRNA, Del. —  The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), the Delaware State Police, and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG), will conduct a quarterly test of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Alert and Notification system on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.

There are 37 sirens in Delaware located within a 10-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey. The sirens cover an area north from Delaware City, west to Middletown, and south to Woodland Beach. This test is part of an ongoing program that continually monitors the integrity of the siren system. Sirens will be activated for three to five minutes, followed by a test message of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local radio stations. Sirens tested are the same ones used to alert the public in the event of an actual emergency at either the Salem or Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.

In the event of an actual emergency, there would be a series of steady three (3) to five (5) minute siren sounds that would alert citizens to turn their radio to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for critical emergency information or instructions.

If there are any questions, please call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency at 1-877-SAY-DEMA (1-877-729-3362) or (302) 659-3362 and ask for Stephen Davis. To learn more about radiological preparedness, visit PrepareDE.org.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION:
2024-2025 Emergency Plan Information for NJ and DE (PSEG Calendar) with up-to-date info and resources.

ABOUT DEMA
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 and X and Instagram

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, and county emergency agencies are teaming up to observe Winter Weather Awareness Week from December 2 to 6 to share important information to help residents and visitors stay safe. Preparing now can greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe winter weather. DEMA also recommends that everyone make a plan, build a home or car emergency kit, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Visit PrepareDE.org for more resources.

Winter can bring very cold temperatures, ice, snow, and high winds—causing utility outages along with dangerous and deadly travel conditions. Over the past 10 years, the National Weather Service estimates winter storms and extreme cold are responsible for an average of 68 deaths per year in the United States. It’s never too early to be prepared: areas of Colorado were recently hit with their largest November snowstorm in decades, resulting in blizzard-like conditions and more than four feet of snow.

“Delaware is no stranger to a wide variety of winter weather hazards, ranging from freezing rain to blowing snow to tidal flooding,” said Sarah Johnson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly. “By taking time now to prepare for winter weather, Delawareans can mitigate the impacts of winter weather hazards when they occur.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “It is extremely important for drivers to slow down, not crowd snowplows, and avoid travel when conditions are at their worst, if possible. DelDOT will be ready to respond to winter weather events, and we encourage everyone to take time to ensure their vehicles are also ready for winter weather by replacing wiper blades, checking the condition of tires, and having a car emergency kit.”

The Delaware Climate Office reported that last year was somewhat warmer and much wetter than average, however the First State did have four snowfall accumulations. This included a January 19 snowstorm that dropped five inches of snow and closed state offices in Kent and New Castle Counties. This year, the NWS Climate Prediction Center (CPC) estimates a 57 percent chance that a weak and short-duration La Niña will emerge by December and persist through January to March 2025. The CPC three month outlooks currently call for somewhat above-normal temps and average seasonal precipitation. Overall, weak La Niña winters, and La Niña winters in general, mean “below-average snowfall” for the Mid-Atlantic from January to March.

One notable exception was the “Blizzard of 1996” that took place from January 6 to 8 during a La Niña winter pattern. It paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard for the better part of a week with Philadelphia setting a snowfall record of 30.7 inches while the City of Wilmington received 22 inches. A state of emergency was declared by Governors in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and dozens of deaths were attributed to the storm – many due to cardiac events from shoveling snow.

 
Each day of Winter Weather Awareness Week on social media, participating agencies will focus on a different winter weather topic along with safety tips to get ready for whatever winter brings.

• December 2 – the topic is Winter Preparedness.
• December 3 – the topic is Heavy Snow.
• December 4 – the topic is Ice.
• December 5 – the topic is Extreme Cold.
• December 6 – the topic is Nor’easters/Coastal Storms. 

KEY MESSAGES

• Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.
• Register your mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on emergency closings or hazardous conditions in Delaware.
• Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• If possible, avoid travel by car. However, if driving, be prepared for snow and icy conditions that can impact roadways. Check ahead on road conditions with the DelDOT Mobile App.
• Build and stock a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit. Learn how at PrepareDE.org.
• Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades, and other items.
• Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures and stock pet supplies.
• Preparedness takes a team: “buddy up” to help those with access and functional needs.

STAY INFORMED ON WEATHER

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.

Get to know the following winter weather terms and what they mean:

• Freezing Rain – Rain that freezes when it hits the ground: covering roads, trees, and power lines.
• Sleet – Rain that turns to ice before reaching the ground.
• Hypothermia – Illness caused when body temperature drops below what’s needed to be healthy.
• Frostbite – A medical condition when skin or body tissue is damaged from freezing.
• Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected.
• Winter Weather Advisory – Cold, ice, and snow are expected.
• Winter Storm Watch – Severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
• Winter Warning – Issued when snow or sleet is expected in the next few hours or the next day.
• Blizzard Warning – Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

ROAD AND TRAVEL SAFETY

Last year, DEMA and DelDOT issued an advisory during the January 19 storm about poor visibility and the possibility of freezing on road surfaces. State officials caution motorists to slow down and adapt their driving to the road conditions, give plows plenty of space on the roads, and take the time to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before traveling. The free DelDOT mobile app provides news, updates, and access to more than 100 cameras to view road conditions before traveling.

DRIVING RESTRICTIONS

During a winter storm or other weather emergency, state officials can issue any one of three types of driving restrictions statewide or in one or more counties under Delaware Code:

• Level 1 Driving Warning: Motorists should “exercise extra caution” if driving and encouraged not to drive “unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.” It should be noted that a Level 1 warning does not require a declared State of Emergency (SOE).
• Level 2 Driving Restriction: Driving is restricted to “essential personnel” such as public or private snow removal operators and those “necessary to maintain the core functions of a government body or entity, and to maintain the health and safety of the people in Delaware including health-care services, and food and fuel deliveries during a state of emergency, regardless of whether they are employed by a public or private entity.”
• Level 3 Driving Ban: No person is permitted to drive except those “designated as first responders and essential personnel, including public utilities… and operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity.”

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS AND RISKS

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The use of alternative heating sources, such as space heaters and generators, during power outages can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not used safely.
• Home Fires: Increased use of heating sources, holiday decorations, and cooking during the winter season can elevate the risk of home fires.
• Isolation and Mental Health: Extended periods of cold and darkness during the winter can lead to feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affecting mental health.
• Lack of Supplies: Snowstorms and severe weather can result in shortages of essential supplies, making it challenging to access food, water, and medical necessities.
• Snow Removal Injuries: Clearing snow and ice from driveways and walkways can lead to physical injuries, such as back strain or heart attacks, especially for those not accustomed to strenuous activity.

National Weather Service Links:

• NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly Website: weather.gov/phi/
• Facebook: facebook.com/NWSMountHolly
• X (formerly Twitter): @NWS_MountHolly

DelDOT Links:

• Download the free DelDOT mobile app
• DelDOT Travel Advisories
• WTMC Radio: 1380 AM statewide
• Facebook: facebook.com/delawaredot
• X: @DelawareDOT

DEMA Links:

• DEMA.delaware.gov
• Facebook: facebook.com/DelawareEMA
• X: @DelawareEMA
• PrepareDE.org

Resources on Winter Preparedness:

• Ready.gov Winter Weather
• Ready.gov News
• FEMA Video: “Preparing for Winter Travel”
• Weather.gov
• Weather Terms
• CDC Winter Weather
• American Red Cross Winter Weather Resources
• Department of Health and Human Services Winter Weather Resources

ABOUT DEMA

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.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued a statewide drought watch after receiving guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC). Delawareans are asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor uses of water during the drought watch. This decision follows an assessment of conditions by the WSCC on October 25. The drought watch will remain in effect until further notice.

The mandatory open burning ban issued by the Delaware State Fire Marshal remains in effect until further notice.

This drought watch is the result of the continuing scarcity of precipitation throughout the state, particularly northern New Castle County, where the pretreated water supply for Delaware’s most populous region is primarily sourced from several surface water streams and reservoirs.

“We encourage all residents to take this drought watch seriously. Please limit your outdoor water use and conserve water where you can,” said Governor John Carney.

The WSCC, chaired by DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, includes representatives from state and county governments, climatologists, geologists, businesses, the agriculture community, water utilities and others. During the drought watch, DNREC encourages all Delaware residents and non-farm businesses to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use. Specifically, the WSCC drought watch guidelines include:

• Limit watering of lawns and outdoor plants. Water lawns, groundcover, shrubs and trees sparingly and conservatively.
• Minimize watering with drinkable (potable) water. If non-drinkable water is available, use it on lawns and turf fields instead of potable water.

In addition to water conservation measures, the open burning ban prohibits activities such as bonfires, controlled burning (including always prohibited burning of leaves and yard waste), agricultural burning, fires for land clearing, and fires for demolition and removal of hazards.

The State Fire Marshal urges residents to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and avoid parking vehicles on or near dry leaves and grass to prevent unintentional fires.

The drought watch is the first of three drought-related levels of action:

1. Drought Watch: Voluntary water conservation is encouraged given the potential for drought.
2. Drought Warning: Water shortages become more likely, prompting more significant voluntary reductions in water use.
3. Drought Emergency: Worsening conditions would lead to a State of Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions.

Drought declarations are not based on any single indicator. Instead, the WSCC representatives monitor a range of indicators that include: precipitation, stream flow, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil moisture. These indicators are evaluated over 3 to 12 months to assess long-term trends. Across Delaware, unusually low levels of precipitation and soil moisture indicate a need for a statewide drought watch. Although major water reservoirs in Northern New Castle County remain within normal ranges, the low stream flows in that area warrant heightened concern as it is those streams that are needed to refill the reservoirs. Public water suppliers are asking residents to reduce their water use whenever possible.

State officials and the WSCC will continue to assess water conditions and will provide guidance if a drought warning or emergency becomes necessary. In the meantime, the WSCC and its members are closely watching weather patterns and advising Delawareans to conserve water to help prevent more severe and possibly mandatory restrictions.

To learn more about drought preparedness and water conservation, visit DNREC’s drought resource page at de.gov/drought and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage for tips on saving water.

A version of this release translated into Spanish can be found here. 

A version of this release translated into Haitian Creole can be found here.