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The toll free number is 877-831-7215.

 

 

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When the weather turns especially hazardous, Delaware has a three-level system of driving warnings and restrictions. Drivers should know the three levels and what they mean.

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.

 

 

 

Level 2 Driving Restriction: essential personnel include those who are necessary state personnel or those who provide healthcare services, food deliveries, and fuel deliveries during a state of emergency in both public and private industries.  

 

Level 3 Driving Ban: includes first responders, some state employees (i.e. policemen, utility workers), people the governor has approved through executive order and operator of snowplows or debris removal equipment that have been hired by the state or private interests.

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has terminated the Level 2 Driving Restriction in Sussex County, effective at noon. The State of Emergency will remain in effect in Sussex County until further notice to allow the Delaware National Guard to continue assisting local and state authorities with response to the winter storm.

As he lifted all driving restrictions, Governor Carney urged Delaware motorists to continue exercising caution.

“Snow and ice on roadways still pose risks, so Delawareans should exercise caution while driving,” said Governor Carney. “Thank you to everyone at the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Delaware National Guard, and all local and state authorities for their work responding to this storm. I also want to thank Delawareans across Sussex County for their patience as we worked to clear the roadways.”

Media and residents should continue to check social media for updates:

twitter.com/JohnCarneyDE
facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE
twitter.com/DelawareDOT
twitter.com/DelawareEMA

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WILMINGTON, Del. – The State of Emergency and Level 2 Driving Restriction remain in effect throughout Sussex County.

Governor Carney also has authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

Roadways update from DelDOT
The priority for DelDOT is clearing and treating all primary roadways before plowing secondary roads. With the combination of strong winds, drifting snow, and intense cold, getting to all roads is going to take time and DelDOT crews will continue to work to clear roads as quickly as possible. In addition, salt is less effective in melting snow and ice in extremely low temperatures such as those we will experience over the next 72 hours. DelDOT maintenance and operations yards have been fully staffed since 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and for the safety of our employees, there is a required five hour rest period every 24 hours. 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 and secondary roadways.

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

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. Employers already granted a waiver by DEMA may also continue to travel if necessary.

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

New Castle County

• A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect until Saturday, January 6, 2018 at noon.
• Expect very cold wind chills. The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Expect wind chills to range from 5 above zero to 15 below zero.
• Winds gusting as high as 45 mph overnight into Friday will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow with the existing snow pack. In addition, minor tree damage is possible. Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

Kent County

• A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect until Saturday, January 6, 2018 at noon.
• Expect very cold wind chills. The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Expect wind chills to range from 5 above zero to 15 below zero.
• Winds gusting as high as 45 mph overnight into Friday will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow with the existing snow pack. In addition, minor tree damage is possible. Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

Sussex County

• A Wind Chill Advisory is in effect until Saturday, January 6, 2018 at noon.
• Expect very cold wind chills. The cold wind chills will cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes to exposed skin. Expect wind chills to range from 5 above zero to 15 below zero.
• Winds gusting as high as 45 mph overnight into Friday will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow with the existing snow pack. In addition, minor tree damage is possible. Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frost bite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken. Make sure you wear a hat and gloves.

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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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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(Smyrna) – The Winter Storm Warning, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), remains in effect for New Castle and Kent Counties until 4:00pm today, March 3^rd.  Sussex County is also under a Winter Storm Warning until 6:00pm today.

Also remaining in effect are the a State of Emergency and a Level 1 Driving Warning, which went into effect at midnight, and were issued yesterday by Governor Jack Markell.  Delaware law states, 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.”

DEMA activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been activated since 8:00pm last night.  The EOC activation brings multiple response agencies together with DEMA serving as the coordinating lead agency.  DEMA is working along with other emergency response agencies across the state to monitor conditions caused by the winter storm and take appropriate action.

State of Delaware offices are closed today, during regular business hours 8am to 4:30pm.

The weather forecast has been adjusted and now predicts accumulation 4-8 inches of snow statewide.  Some areas still have the possibility of seeing greater amounts, particularly a band in southern Kent County.  Snow will fall moderate to heavy at times before ending late afternoon.  Winds will be 10-15 MPH with gusts up to 25 MPH in New Castle and Kent Counties.  Slightly higher winds are expected in Sussex County, with gusts up to 35 MPH.

Road and weather conditions vary, with ice covered by snow in many areas. Roads across the state are slippery and police in all three counties have reported a number of motor vehicle accidents, a few with personal injuries.  Police are also dealing with disabled vehicles.  The speed limit on Interstate 495 in New Castle County has been reduced to 45 MPH.  DelDOT is plowing and salting roadways in across Delaware, concentrating on primary roads, bridges, bus routes, and toll plazas.  The weather has also caused changes in DART transit service today.  Details on bus routes and changes can be found at http://www.dartfirststate.com.  Click on “Alerts” for more information.

All public schools in Delaware are closed today.  The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Wilmington University, Wesley College, and Delaware Technical and Community College are also closed.

Near-record cold weather will follow the storm on Monday, as temperatures in some portions of the state could be in the single digits Monday night and overnight until Tuesday, but slightly higher in the southern portion of Delaware.