Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he will lift the State of Emergency with Level One Driving Warning for Kent Countyeffective at 6 p.m. today, and for Sussex County at 8 p.m. The State of Emergency with a Level 1 Driving Warning was lifted in New Castle County at 2 p.m. Snow is still falling in Sussex County and most roads remain snow covered. Forecasts indicate temperatures across most of Delaware will drop to single digits overnight, meaning wet roads are likely to freeze. Drivers should continue to exercise caution if they must travel. DelDOT will continue to plow and salt roads as necessary and Code Purple locations have been activated across the state.

“Thousands of State and local government workers have been working across Delaware throughout the duration of this event and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts,” said Governor Markell.  “As precipitation comes to an end across the state, our focus turns to the extremely low temperatures that are expected overnight. Motorists should continue to be careful, as snowy and icy spots still exist.”

 ###

Executive Department

Dover

 TERMINATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR KENT AND SUSSEX COUNTIES

      WHEREAS, since yesterday, the State of Delaware has experienced a significant accumulation of snow resulting from a winter storm, with the heaviest snow occurring in Kent and Sussex Counties; and

            WHEREAS, in connection with the winter storm, I declared a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware, effective as of midnight E.S.T. today; and

            WHEREAS, due to the improving condition of roads in New Castle County, I ended the State of Emergency in New Castle County effective as of 2:00 p.m. E.S.T. today; and

            WHEREAS, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Transportation and many state, and local organizations, road conditions are improving and most are passable for travel.

            NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, hereby declare:

1.      My declaration of a State of Emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning, dated Monday, March 3, 2014 is terminated for Kent County as of 6:00 PM E.S.T. today.

2.      My declaration of a State of Emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning, dated Monday, March 3, 2014 is terminated for Sussex County as of 8:00 PM E.S.T. today.

3.      Pursuant to 20 DEL. C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local activities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or his designee.

4.      Notwithstanding the foregoing, temperatures statewide are expected to be extremely cold tonight, and some roads remain snow-covered and icy.  Drivers and other persons are encouraged to exercise caution on the roads and in connection with outdoor activities.

APPROVED this 3^rd day of March, 2014, at 5:15 p.m.

State of Emergency with Level 1 Driving Warning remains in Kent, Sussex Counties

Cheswold, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he has lifted the State of Emergency with Level One Driving Warning for New Castle County, effective at 2 p.m. today. The State of Emergency with a Level 1 Driving Warning remains in effect in Kent and Sussex Counties. Road conditions in New Castle County have improved since this morning, but roads throughout the state still have snow and ice on them. Drivers should continue to exercise caution if they must travel. DelDOT will continue to plow and salt roads as necessary.

“As expected, Kent and Sussex Counties received the greatest impact of this storm,” said Governor Markell. “Road conditions continue to improve, but motorists should continue to be careful, as snowy and icy spots still exist and additional snowfall is expected in the southern part of the state.”

State officials will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions and will take any appropriate action, including lifting the state of emergency in Kent and Sussex Counties as weather conditions improve. 

 ###

Executive Department

Dover

TERMINATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY

             WHEREAS, since yesterday, the State of Delaware has experienced a significant accumulation of snow resulting from a winter storm, with the heaviest snow occurring in Kent and Sussex Counties; and

            WHEREAS, the snow has largely abated in New Castle County, and through the significant efforts of Department of Transportation officials and state and local emergency responders, travel on many roads in New Castle County is possible again; and

            WHEREAS, response efforts continue throughout the State of Delaware, and road conditions in Kent and Sussex Counties remain challenging, particularly on secondary and local roads.

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, hereby declare:

1. My declaration of a state of emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning, dated Monday, March 2, 2014 is terminated for New Castle County as of 2:00 PM today. The state of emergency and Level 1 driving warning shall remain in effect in Kent and Sussex Counties until further notice.
2. Pursuant to 20 DEL. C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local activities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or his designee.
3. 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 3^rd day of March, 2014, at 12:20 p.m.

NEW CASTLE – With a winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, strong winds and falling temperatures overnight into Monday, Code Purple locations have been established across Delaware 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

The Salvation Army activates Code Purple when necessary. On Sunday night, the Salvation Army shelter, 400 N. Orange St., will be open. 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.

On Monday and Tuesday, Friendship House will enact Code Purple. Volunteers provide soup and sandwiches. Friendship House provides hot beverages, paper and cleaning products. The shelter will be open each day from 1 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew, 720 N. Orange St., Wilmington.

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.

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

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 1-4 p.m. The host overnight sanctuary locations for the Newark Empowerment Center are:

• Monday (March 3): Newark United Methodist Church, 69 E. Main St., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.
• Tuesday (March 4): First Presbyterian Church, 292 W. Main St., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.
• Wednesday (March 5): St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 701 S. College Ave., Newark. Doors open at 6 p.m.

KENT COUNTY

Women and children can receive Code Purple shelter and food at Shepherd Place, 1362 Governors Ave., Dover, starting Sunday, March 2, until the weather breaks. Eight cots, plus crib and bassinet are available. Doors open for 5 p.m. dinner. The shelter is in need of volunteers, food and meal planning, and additional supplies.

Men can receive Code Purple shelter and food at Mt. Carmel Church, 117 N. West St., Dover, starting Sunday, March 2, until the weather breaks. Fifteen cots are available. Doors open for 5 p.m. dinner. The shelter is in need of volunteers, food and meal planning, and additional supplies.

SUSSEX COUNTY

On Sunday, March 2, people in need of overnight sanctuary are encouraged to go to Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. Starting Monday and continuing through Thursday, the shelter will move to Faith United Methodist Church, 37439 Oyster House 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.

Ruhl said the overnight sanctuary 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.

State of Delaware Offices in New Castle County Opening Late

Wilmington – State offices in New Castle County are operating on a 2 hour delay today. DelDOT crews again worked through the night treating the roads from the snow received last night and any icy spots caused by the fluctuating temperatures. Drivers should exercise caution when operating vehicles statewide today, but particularly in areas that received snow last night and local roads that have had less traffic. Those roads may be slippery and drivers should proceed cautiously.

DOVER – State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.