The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is preparing for the arrival of a statewide snow event. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Kent and Sussex Counties from 4:00 a.m. Monday to 4:00 p.m. Monday, and a Winter Weather Advisory for New Castle County from 4:00 a.m. Monday to 4:00 p.m. Monday.

The storm is forecast to bring varying amounts of accumulating snow across the state, with higher totals expected in southern Delaware. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph may limit visibility as well as cause damage to trees and power lines.

DelDOT will be bringing in staff beginning early Monday morning in advance of the storm and motorists should expect difficult travel conditions throughout the morning as roads could become snow-covered rapidly during the heaviest period of snowfall.

Motorists are advised to slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions, leaving plenty of space between other vehicles as stopping distances increase greatly on snow- and ice-covered roads, allow for extra time to reach destinations, and give snow plows plenty of room to work.

At this time, DART plans to operate fixed route and paratransit bus services on their regular weekday schedule, however, delays should be expected and customers should check www.dartfirststate.com and the DART app for real-time updates.

The DelDOT snow plow tracker will be active during the storm and is available via the DelDOT smartphone app and www.deldot.gov under the interactive maps icon. DelDOT also has more than 200 traffic cameras that are available to view road conditions around the state.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) continues to plow and salt roads across New Castle County as nearly three inches has fallen in many areas as of 2:30pm. DelDOT maintenance & operations yards are fully staffed and more than 100 plow trucks are active on the roads. In addition, plow trucks and staff from Kent and Sussex counties have also been deployed to assist in New Castle County, as the storm has primarily been a rain event in the southern part of the state.

DelDOT advises motorists that the evening rush hour is likely to be difficult as snow continues to fall and numerous accidents have been reported across the county. Please use extra caution on the roads and give DelDOT plows plenty of space to work as they continue to salt and plow this afternoon and evening.

(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.

(Smyrna) – A 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.

Governor Jack Markell issued a State of Emergency and a Level 1 Driving Warning, both of which went into effect at midnight.  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.”

Sunday afternoon, Governor Markell issued an Executive Order authorizing the Delaware National Guard, as directed by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to take precautionary or responsive actions upon request by local authorities.  DEMA activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as of 8:00pm, Sunday 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 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.

The forecast still calls for New Castle and Kent Counties to see 6-10 inches of snow from the storm.  Inland Sussex County is forecast at 4-8 inches of snow with lesser amounts at coastal areas.  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 will have varying impacts on the morning rush hour. Motorists should allow extra time for their morning commute, reduce speeds, and use extreme caution while driving.  The speed limit on Interstate 495 in New Castle County has been reduced to 45 MPH.  DelDOT is plowing and salting roadways in New Castle County, and watching conditions downstate.

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.