Heavier snow to cause poor visibility this afternoon with roads expected to freeze tonight

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)  are issuing a travel advisory for this afternoon and evening due to poor visibility from heavier snowfall and freezing on road surfaces tonight as temperatures drop. The advisory is not an official Level 1 Driving Warning, but is meant to caution motorists of adverse weather conditions and to stay off roads if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are urged to use caution and common sense.

“DelDOT crews have been working throughout the storm to clear and treat roads across the state, however, falling temperatures and continued snowfall will cause roads and bridges to be icy as the day progresses,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions if you must be out.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting snowfall rates that cause reduced visibility for motorists and temperatures to drop below freezing tonight. This will create hazardous driving condition across the area. DelDOT crews are working to clear the roadways, but many secondary routes will remain slippery and snow-covered.

Winter Driving and Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that your windshield is completely clear of snow and ice and that you also clear snow off the top of your vehicle and the bed of your pickup trucks.
2. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
3. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of his vehicle.
4. Turn on headlights so other drivers can see you. It’s Delaware law to use headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than using high beams.
5. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
6. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see.
7. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Even though you are taking precautions, you need reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or stop light.
8. Wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in a wreck your seatbelt will help you keep control of the vehicle and improve your chances of escaping serious injury or death by nearly 50%.
9. If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic. Don’t hit the brakes hard. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes, shift the car or truck into neutral and steer in the direction you want your car to go until the skid is over. If you don’t have ABS, apply pressure to the brakes, just short of locking them up, release the pressure, and then re-apply at a lower level.

   

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Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code, Title 20,Chapter 31 §3101-3130.

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Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies Alert

State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle Counties are closed on Friday, January 19, 2024, during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent and New Castle Counties are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to report as scheduled.

Risks can lurk from unseen hazards in floodwaters of unknown depth.

NEW CASTLE, Del. — New Castle County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency are urging residents to avoid driving after dark because of the expected heavy rain tonight and the risks from flooding. The National Weather Service has forecast periods of intense and heavy rain with high winds for this evening, which could cause small stream, river flooding, and coastal flooding – especially in the upper Delaware Bay.

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting the Delaware Bay at Reedy Point to crest at 9.1 feet, near the record of 9.24 feet set on April 16, 2011. Currently, no evacuations are planned, but officials expect Delaware City to be temporarily inaccessible for a period.

Flooding at night is very dangerous because it is harder to see the water level, the speed of the current, and any obstacles or hazards in the way. Each year, flooding causes more deaths than any other storm-related hazard. Many flood deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood waters.

About 75 percent of flash-flood deaths occur at night. Half of deaths result when people in automobiles or other vehicles proceed into water of unknown depth and are swept away by the force of the water. Many deaths also occur when motorists drive around road barricades that clearly indicate that the road is washed out ahead. Flood water is dangerous for both cars and pedestrians: just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

State and county emergency agencies are closely monitoring weather and road conditions and will issue emergency notifications and Wireless Emergency Alerts if needed. Everyone is urged to stay informed through radio, TV, or social media, and follow instructions from officials. Please evacuate if told to do so, or if you are in a flash flood prone area.

Do not walk or drive through flood waters, as they can be fast-moving, contaminated, or electrically charged. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water and move to higher ground or a higher floor if possible. Stay where you are until the flood waters recede and it is safe to leave.

The Delaware Department of Transportation is also asking everyone to report flooded roads or other debris and downed power lines by contacting #77 from their mobile phone.

• For more information, you can visit these websites:
• Severe Weather Awareness – Flood Safety
• Dangers of Flooding and Tips for How You Can Protect Yourself
• Ready.gov/Floods
• Check on road conditions with the DelDOT App.
• Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens to learn about emergency closings or hazardous conditions.
• Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts.

Flood Severity Terms

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

Level 1 Driving Warning issued for Kent and Sussex until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, Driving Warning lifted for New Castle County

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney has terminated the State of Emergency and Level 2 driving restriction in Kent and Sussex counties, effective at 6:00 p.m. A Level 1 Driving Warning will be in effect for Kent and Sussex counties after 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 30.

The Level 1 Driving Warning for New Castle County will also be lifted on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

“Drivers should continue to exercise caution as DelDOT continues to clear roadways,” said Governor Carney. “Thank you to our DelDOT crews, the Delaware National Guard, and all state and local officials for their response efforts throughout this storm.”

Delawareans are urged to use caution as they clear snow. Dangerously cold temperatures are expected overnight, which may cause wet surfaces to freeze, and pose a risk to people and pets.

Governor Carney issued the State of Emergency on Friday, January 28, authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local authorities with winter storm response efforts, and directing motorists to stay off the roads.

The Level 2 Driving Restriction in Kent and Sussex counties and the Level 1 Driving Warning in New Castle County have been in effect since Friday at 10:00 p.m.

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. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

Click here for a PDF of the Termination of the State of the Emergency and Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex Counties due to a Severe Winter Storm.

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State of Emergency, Level 2 driving restriction issued in Kent and Sussex Counties; Driving warning issued for New Castle County

WILMINGTON, Del. – In preparation for a severe winter storm to impact the State of Delaware, Governor John Carney on Friday issued a State of Emergency in Kent and Sussex counties, and authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery.

Governor Carney also issued a Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex counties, and a Level 1 Driving Warning for New Castle County, beginning at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28.

“We are anticipating a serious storm, and Delawareans in Kent and Sussex counties should stay off the roadways when the driving restriction goes into effect tonight,” 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.”

The Level 2 Driving Restriction (Kent and Sussex counties) means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel.”  Travel on roadways is restricted to certain state employees, emergency workers, first responders, health care workers, utility workers, snow removal operators, private sector food and fuel deliveries, and individuals already approved through DEMA’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver program.

The Level 1 Driving Warning (New Castle County) means Delawareans should avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. 

Learn about Delaware’s three levels of driving warnings and restrictions at de.gov/weather.

Areas of coastal Sussex County are predicted to see the most serious impact from the storm, including winds of up to 50mph, which may lead to power outages. Travel will be difficult as high winds and heavy snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibility. If travel is necessary, extra caution and preparations should be taken, such as having a vehicle emergency supply kit. 

State and local officials are directed to remove abandoned vehicles from roads in affected areas at the expense of the vehicle owner after 10:00 p.m. on Friday, while the driving restriction in Kent and Sussex counties is in effect.  

Under Delaware Code, failure to obey an Emergency Order may result in a fine of $50 to $500 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

The State of Emergency authorizes additional resources to assist with winter storm response. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is coordinating the state’s response, including resources from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Delaware State Police, Delaware Division of Public Health, and Delaware National Guard. 

The DelDOT snowplow tracker will be active during the storm and is available via the DelDOT smartphone app and deldot.gov, under the interactive maps icon. Additionally, DelDOT also has more than 200 traffic cameras that are available to view road conditions around the state. Winter weather preparedness tips for home and travel can be found at PrepareDE.org. 

A Code Purple has been declared across the state and shelters are opening to take in Delawareans who are experiencing homelessness. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1. 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.

How to Prepare 

• Make a Plan, make an emergency kit, and stay informed. Helpful tips are available at PrepareDE.org
• Ensure that you have non-perishable food, water, and medications to last for several days. 
• Prepare for power outages and have a safe way to stay warm. 
• Monitor the weather through the National Weather Service:  weather.gov/phi 
• Monitor the roads through the DelDOT App: deldot.gov/mobile

DEMA, DelDOT, and the Delaware State Police will continue to provide updates throughout the storm. 

Residents are encouraged to monitor local weather through the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly. 

Sign up for weather-related notifications at de.gov/weather.

Click here for a PDF of the State of the Emergency and Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex Counties due to a Severe Winter Storm.

Click here for 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.