NEW CASTLE (Jan. 21, 2014) – With snow widespread across the state and temperatures forecast to drop into the 20s and lower through Friday, Code Purple locations have been established in New Castle and Sussex counties to help people who are homeless find shelter. The duration of the shelters are subject to weather conditions and the resources of the coordinating agency or place of worship.

People with emergency housing needs are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to the most appropriate shelter or service.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Wilmington

Friendship House has enacted Code Purple beginning today, Jan. 21, and for the remainder of the week. Volunteers provide soup and sandwiches. Friendship House provides hot beverages, paper and cleaning products. The shelter will be open each day from 2:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 22 and for the remainder of the week, doors will open at 5:30 a.m. at this location.

For more information about Code Purple nights, call Bill Perkins at (302) 559-5716.

Salvation Army activates Code Purple when necessary. After 8:30 p.m., those at the sanctuary will go to the Salvation Army shelter, 400 N. Orange St. Men will be provided a cot set-up in the gymnasium and women will be provided accommodation in the women’s shelter. An evening snack and continental breakfast will be served before visitors leave the facility at 6 a.m.

Newark

A coalition of 10 Newark faith communities offers emergency sanctuary from dusk to dawn (6 p.m.-6 a.m.). Eight local churches rotate in serving as the host site. Volunteers from local faith communities and community organizations support guests who are homeless in a church common room with access to bathrooms, a light evening meal, hot beverages and blankets.

Those in the Newark area who are in need of sanctuary from the cold weather are encouraged to call (302) 544-0165, and sign up for services with the Newark Empowerment Center. The center’s office hours are 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The host overnight sanctuary locations for the Newark Empowerment Center are:

• Today (Jan. 21): Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.
• Wednesday (Jan. 22): Calvary Baptist Church, 215 E. Delaware Ave., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.

SUSSEX COUNTY

Beginning today, Jan, 21, and for however long Code Purple is in effect: People in need of overnight sanctuary are encouraged to go to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The facility does not have the capacity to house families; only single individuals can be hosted at this time. For more information, call Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, at (302) 604-2619.

KENT COUNTY

Nan Ruhl, director of Immanuel Shelter, said the overnight sanctuary at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach would take individuals who are homeless in Kent County or elsewhere who can get to the shelter.

CENTRALIZED INTAKE: HOMELESS PREVENTION RESPONSE SYSTEM

Centralized Intake is a statewide program that provides an efficient and effective process for assessing individuals and families who are experiencing a housing crisis, identifying the most appropriate housing intervention needed to end their episode of homelessness, and referring them to crisis services and/or shelter to meet their immediate needs.

Anyone experiencing a housing crisis is urged to call 2-1-1.  The operator will ask a few questions to determine if they would benefit from prevention services in the community or if they need to be assessed by a housing specialist.

Declaration Includes Level 1 Driving Warning; Driving Discouraged and Extra Caution Encouraged

Wilmington, DE – With a severe winter storm generating significant snowfall throughout Delaware, Governor Jack Markell has declared a State of Emergency that includes a statewide “Level 1 Driving Warning,” effective immediately.    See text below.

According to state law, a “Level 1 Driving Warning” means that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.

“We strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from being on the road,”  said Governor Markell.  “Conditions have deteriorated, and it is safer not to drive if you don’t have to.  DelDOT crews are continuing to work on clearing roads and we will continue to evaluate conditions.”

In addition to instituting a Level 1 Driving Warning, the State of Emergency declaration:

• Directs state agencies to assist in response activities, as directed by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).
• Authorizes the Delaware National Guard to assist local authorities with any “precautionary or responsive actions,” if so directed by the DEMA Director in consultation with the Secretary of Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS).
• Authorizes DelDOT and the State Police, in consultation with DEMA and DSHS, to order road and bridge closures if necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.

DART has made service changes because of the weather, in its updated schedule.

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Executive Department

Dover

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

AND LEVEL I DRIVING WARNING

DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM

WHEREAS, a severe winter storm is generating and will continue to generate significant snowfall accumulations in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the severe winter storm includes heavy snowfall and gusting winds, resulting in significantly decreased visibility, snow drifts and other road hazards that make driving dangerous and creating potentially life-threatening conditions; and

WHEREAS, the predicted weather conditions will likely continue to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening road conditions and may result in additional public safety responses;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby declare a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware.  This State of Emergency will be effective as of January 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. E.S.T., and shall continue until terminated as provided under state law.  The nature of the emergency is heavy snowfall and potentially high winds.  Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

• All departments and agencies of the State of Delaware shall assist in response and recovery activities, as directed by and in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), necessary in those areas affected by the storm.
• As of January 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. E.S.T., and until further notice, a Level 1 Driving Warning is in effect.  Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of that vehicle for the duration of the emergency. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle for the duration of the emergency, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.  State and local officials are directed to remove abandoned vehicles from roads in affected areas at the expense of the vehicle owner.
• The Delaware National Guard shall take precautionary or responsive actions directed by the Director of DEMA, in consultation with the Secretary of DSHS, upon request by local authorities.
• I authorize the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with DEMA and the Secretary of DSHS, to order such bridge and road closures as necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.
• I reserve the right to take or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code to respond to this emergency.

APPROVED this 21^st day of January, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.

Governor

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware State Police will conduct a quarterly test of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Alert and notification system on Tuesday, January 7, 2014.  Sirens will sound between 10:00AM and 11:30AM.

The 37 sirens located within ten miles of the Salem/Hope Creek (New Jersey) plants will be activated for three to five minutes.  The siren tests will be followed by a test message of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local radio stations.

Sirens that will be tested are the same sirens that would alert the public in the event of an actual emergency at either the Salem or Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.  In such an emergency, the public would be alerted by the sirens to tune radios to one of the local EAS stations for important emergency instructions.

(Smyrna) – State offices are closed today, Friday, January 3, 2014 during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.  Public schools will also be closed in Delaware.  Some private and charter schools have already reported closures.  Listen to local radio, watch television or check district and school websites for details.

Snow fell across the state overnight with various readings of accumulation, some as high as 7 inches.  Generally, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), Sussex County received 3 inches of snow, while 4-7 inches blanketed the rest of the state. Winter Storm Warnings posted by the National Weather Service remain in effect.  Snow should be tapering off through morning today.

Emergency crews will be dealing with high winds.  The top layer of snow is very light and winds will cause it to drift.  The bottom layer of snow is mostly ice because the early snowfall consisted of a wet snow.  DelDOT crews have been kept busy overnight trying to keep major roads clear, but drifting snow will cause plows to have to return to previously cleared roads, which will further delay DelDOT crews in their efforts to begin working on secondary and minor roads, and bus routes.

Gale warnings are posted along the coast and parts of the Delaware Bay, and Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect statewide.

Extreme cold during the day will also cause dangerous conditions for people who venture out.  Temperatures are expected to drop as the day goes along, and by tonight, some areas may see actual temperatures around 0°F, with wind chills below zero.  If people have to go out, they should dress in layers to stay warm. Hypothermia is a very real hazard in these conditions. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors.  Limit time spent outside clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks and vehicles.

Delaware State Police are reporting:

New Castle County

Road conditions are still the same, there are some lanes that are clear, but still others that are snow covered. TMC is working on main rds, 95,495, but some of the other main rds are down to one lane. Traffic is starting to pick up out on the road ways. Snow in New Castle Co has tapered off, but it remains very cold with strong winds and blowing snow.

Property Damage Accidents: 0

Personal Injury Accidents: 0

Disabled vehicles 2

Kent County

Roads are snow covered and slippery. Lights snow is falling with some drifting.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 3

Disabled Vehicles 6

Traffic Hazards 0

Sussex County

Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush. Secondary roads have drifts in some spots making them unpassable in the northern to central areas of county. Hardscrabble Rd in the area of Cross Keys Rd has power line down, fire units on scene. Still snowing at this time with some drifting on already plowed roads.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 4

Disabled Vehicles 2

Despite trucks working overnight, DelDOT says that major roads across the state remain snow covered, with ice in some areas.  DelDOT is asking people who do not have to go out to stay at home.  Roads are not clear, and motorists run the risk of getting stuck in snow on secondary and minor roads.  Extremely low temperatures and wind chills will make pushing a stuck vehicle a dangerous proposition.

(Smyrna) – Officials at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) continue to monitor the storm that has dropped snow statewide since starting early Thursday evening.  The Winter Storm Warnings statewide posted Thursday by the National Weather Service (NWS) remain in effect.  NWS continues the forecast that as much as 6-8 inches of snow could fall in New Castle and Kent Counties, with 3-5 inches in Sussex County.

The weather is creating two problems for Delaware – snow accumulations with high winds, and bitter, dangerous freezing temperatures.  Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties.

Winds are causing the snow to drift and create patchy areas on roadways, and extreme caution is needed by motorists.  The extreme cold that accompanied the snow is creating other problems.  Temperatures are in the teens overnight across Delaware; by morning, wind chills could be around -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  Those who are going outside should dress warmly, in layers, as hypothermia is a possible hazard. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors.

Delaware State Police are reporting:

New Castle County

At this time road conditions remain the same.  All major roads, are still snow covered, slick and wet.  These roads include I-95, I-495, US 13, SR 141, US 40, SR 896, as well as all secondary roads, which are snow covered and slick.  According to state police on the streets, all roads are open but dangerously slick and snow covered with drifting snow. Traffic has slowed some but still vehicles remain on the roadway. It is still snowing and very cold in New Castle Co.  Drivers are cautioned to watch for drifting snow from strong winds.  Visibility is low due to blowing snow.

Property Damage Accidents: 1

Personal Injury Accidents: 0

Disabled vehicles 10

Kent County

Roads are snow covered.  Light snow and mist.  On SR 1 at Exit 91, a white chevy HHR was left overnight, and will be removed during daylight.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 3

Disabled Vehicles 5

Traffic Hazards 0

Sussex County

Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush.  It is snowing, heavy at times.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 2

Disabled Vehicles 4

DelDOT dropped the speed limit on I-495 to 45MPH early Thursday evening due to road conditions.  DelDOT crews pre-treated state roadways during daylight hours on Thursday with brine, and continue salting and plowing roadways statewide.

DelDOT says from the area of I-95 north to the state line, Primary, Secondary, and Minor roads along with Bus Routes are snow covered.  DelDOT says roads in New Castle County from Newark to the Kent County line, are wet & snow covered / Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered 2 to 4 inches.  All roads are still passable at this time.  In Kent County, Primaries, Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered with one and a half to 3 inches of snow.  In Sussex, Secondary roads, Minor roads & Bus Routes are snow covered by a half-inch to 3 inches.