(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.

State of Delaware Offices Closed Monday, March 3^rd

Wilmington, DE – With a severe winter storm expected to generate significant snowfall throughout Delaware, Governor Jack Markell has issued a State of Emergency and “Level 1 Driving Warning,” effective Monday, March 3^rd at 12:00 a.m. [See text below]. In addition, the Governor announced State of Delaware offices will be closed on Monday, March 3^rd, during regular business hours of 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.

“Once the precipitation turns to snow, we strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from being on the road,”  said Governor Markell.  “Snowfall amounts are predicted to increase rapidly as the storm progresses, which will create hazardous driving conditions. Hundreds of DelDOT crews will continue to work on clearing roads and we will continue to evaluate conditions.”

Video of the Governor’s media briefing: http://youtu.be/F5WymyzfcsU 

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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 winter storm is expected statewide, with anticipated snowfall accumulations of 8 to 10 inches in Kent and Sussex Counties and 6 to 10 inches in New Castle County; 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 Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight 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:

1. 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.
2. As of Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 2^nd day of March, 2014, at 5:30 p.m.

Wilmington, 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 was lifted in Kent County at noon. Road conditions throughout the state have improved since this morning, but some roads 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. 

“Thousands of State workers have been working across Delaware throughout the duration of this event and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts,” 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 northern part of the state.”

An additional 1 – 3 inches is forecasted to fall sometime this evening in New Castle County. State officials will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions and will take any appropriate action, including possibly re-instituting a state of emergency if weather conditions require. 

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Executive Department

Dover

TERMINATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR NEW CASTLE COUNTY

             WHEREAS, Kent County and New Castle County experienced significant accumulation of snow in the past 18 hours, creating dangerous conditions on area roads; and

WHEREAS, I instituted a state of emergency in New Castle County and Kent County, effective at 5:00 a.m. today; and

WHEREAS, due to the improving condition of roads in Kent County, I ended the state of emergency in Kent County effective at noon today; and

WHEREAS, thanks to the efforts of the Department of Transportation and many state and local emergency responders, road conditions are improving and most are passable for travel, although some areas remain snow covered and icy, so drivers should continue to exercise caution;

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

1.      My declaration of a state of emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning,  dated February 13, 2014 is terminated for New Castle County as of 2:00 p.m. today.

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.

APPROVED this February 13, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. E.S.T.

Governor

State of Emergency Remains Active for New Castle County

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he has lifted the State of Emergency Level One Driving Warning for Kent County, effective at noon today. New Castle County remains under a State of Emergency with a Level 1 Driving Warning until further notice. Road conditions in Kent County have improved since this morning, but some roads still have snow and ice on them. DelDOT continues to work on plowing and salting roads and drivers should exercise caution, particularly on back roads or areas that become icy.

“If you have to go out on the roads today, please drive slowly and carefully,” said Governor Markell.  “Hundreds of DelDOT employees continue working to improve road conditions, but snowy and icy spots still exist and drivers should exercise caution.”

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 Executive Department

Dover

 TERMINATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR KENT COUNTY

             WHEREAS, Kent County and New Castle County have experienced significant accumulation of snow in the past 16 hours, creating dangerous conditions on area roads; and

WHEREAS, through the significant efforts of Department of Transportation officials and state and local emergency responders, travel on many roads in Kent County is possible again; and

WHEREAS, response efforts continue throughout the State of Delaware, and road conditions in New Castle County 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 February 13, 2014 is terminated for Kent County as of noon today.  The state of emergency and Level 1 driving warning shall remain in effect in New Castle County 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 February 13, 2014 at 11:59 a.m. E.S.T.

Governor