Driving warning begins at 2:45 p.m.; motorists to exercise extra caution

WILMINGTON, Del. – With snowfall intensifying, Governor John Carney has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning for Kent County and New Castle County beginning at 2:45 p.m. The Level 1 Driving Warning will remain in effect until further notice.

A Level 1 Driving Warning means:

• Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle.
• 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.

“With snowfall continuing to accumulate across Kent and New Castle counties, everyone who can stay off the roads, should stay off the roads,” said Governor Carney. “DelDOT crews are working hard to keep our roadways clear. Thank you to everyone from DelDOT, the Delaware National Guard, and all state and local officials for their work responding to this storm.”

Effective at midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Governor Carney issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery efforts. The authorization allowed the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties.

The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle counties remain closed through 11:59 p.m. For details and updates on state office closings, click here.

Motorists may monitor real-time conditions, snow plow activity, and traffic cameras by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded free. Search for “DelDOT” in the Apple and Google Play stores. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

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Visit de.gov/weather for weather-related information, including school closing notifications and real-time traffic reports.

See all news related to this current snow event.

School Closing Information System – Review a real-time listing of school closures from across the state of Delaware.

 

School Closing E-mail Registration Website – Subscribe to e-mail, text, and/or voice message notification of school closings and other school status.

 

School Closing Information by Phone – A voice activation system which provides school closing and other school status.
The toll free number is 877-831-7215.

 

 

Emergency and Adverse Weather Advisory – Read the latest information for state employees from the Human Resource Management Office.

 

State of Delaware BlackBoard Connect Closing/Delay Notification Registration – This service will allow you to sign up to receive information updates and advisories for Delaware State Government Employees.

 

State of Delaware BlackBoard Connect “How to Register Guide” – View instructions on how to sign up with BlackBoard Connect to receive advisories for Delaware State Government Employees.

 

 

Live Traffic Cameras – Take a look at where the traffic is heading and have a bird’s eye view of the clear paths to get you where you need to go.

 

Online Subscription Service – Receive DelDOT press releases, scheduled travel restrictions, and real-time travel advisories via e-mail.

 

 

DelDOT’s Snowplow Tracker – available on the DelDOT mobile app or on their website.

 

 

Subscribe on News.delaware.gov – sign up to receive emails when state agencies like DelDOT, DEMA, or the Governor’s office post press releases about weather announcements.

 

 

 

 

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.