Governor Markell Urges Delawareans to Prepare for Impending Weather

Dover, DE — Delaware is facing a serious winter storm with the potential for blizzard conditions upstate and potential flooding, rain and heavy winds downstate. The National Weather Service has declared a Blizzard Watch for New Castle and Kent Counties, and Sussex County is under a Winter Storm Watch. The Governor urges Delawareans to begin factoring the storm into their preparations for the weekend, including changing travel plans to avoid traveling on area roads Friday night and Saturday. Delawareans who reside in flood-prone areas in Kent and Sussex Counties should consider relocating for the weekend.

“This looks like a serious storm and I hope Delawareans are treating it that way,” said Governor Markell.  “I encourage Delawareans to take precautions and stay tuned to weather forecasts and transportation updates as we go through the weekend. Tomorrow morning would be a good time to visit a Delaware library and prepare to hole up for the weekend with a good book.”

DelDOT has worked hard to prepare the roads for snow and to prepare its fleet for a weekend of plowing. If the snow falls as predicted, many roads will be snow-covered and may be impassable. For that reason, it is likely that a state of emergency and driving restrictions could become necessary this weekend. The Governor is monitoring the forecast regularly and is in regular touch with emergency management and transportation officials.

The Governor has authorized the National Guard, in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, to pre-position its forces to assist local first responders with stranded motorists, flooding evacuations, or any other emergency that requires their attention.

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Governor Markell Announces Lifting of Limited State of Emergency in Sussex County

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he will lift the Limited State of Emergency for Sussex County effective at 1 p.m. today (full order below).

Strong winds over the weekend held water in the inland bays, causing extremely high tides throughout the state and requiring several roads to be closed, and a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties until 7 p.m.

“Thousands of State and local government officials continue to work across Delaware to ensure the safety of residents effected by this weather,” said Governor Markell. “I want to thank first responders for their swift actions to support those in need during this event. Though the precipitation has ended, the impact from the rain and wind will continue until water levels recede. We encourage motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads and contact local agencies if they require assistance or support.”

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StateofEmergency

TERMINATION OF A LIMITED STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR SUSSEX COUNTY

            WHEREAS, Sussex County experienced significant tidal flooding caused by a Nor’easter system over the last four days, resulting in closures of flooded roads, power outages, and business closures; and

WHEREAS, I instituted a limited state of emergency in Sussex County, effective at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2015, to address that coastal flooding; and

WHEREAS, many first responders from fire companies, police departments, the National Guard, DelDOT, Sussex County, and other governments and agencies assisted throughout the weekend by assisting motorists, helping residents, and securing property; and

WHEREAS, the flooding caused road damage and shoreline erosion, but expected tides over the next several cycles are expected to diminish, and Hurricane Joaquim has now moved well offshore, so the conditions that necessitated declaring a State of Emergency are no longer present;

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

  1. My declaration of a limited state of emergency dated October 2, 2015 is terminated for Sussex County effective immediately.
  1. Pursuant to 20 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 October 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. E.D.T.


Governor’s Statement on Weather Conditions

State of Delaware Offices Closed Today
(Wilmington) –  State of Delaware offices are closed today (Thursday, March 5, 2015) during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees have been asked not to report to work for this period. Essential employees have been asked to report as scheduled. DART is operating on a regular schedule at the present time, but that may change as conditions warrant and more information will be provided to reflect any modifications. The Governor’s Office released this statement from Governor Markell on weather conditions:
“The National Weather Service is predicting snowfall of 4 to 8 inches across the state today, with up to 8 inches for New Castle County and most of Kent County.  It is now snowing in northern New Castle County, and decreasing temperatures and increasing precipitation should bring snowfall totals of up to 1” per hour through the middle part of the day.
“Given the timing and predicted snow totals, the DelDOT crews will be out statewide today.  Roads may be clear through the morning rush hour, but the expected snow mid-day will force DelDOT crews to focus their efforts on keeping the primary roads clear. As a result, secondary and tertiary roads are likely to be snow-covered for a longer period of time. The afternoon commute may be particularly difficult, depending on snow totals, and employers are encouraged to take into account conditions later in the day.  We suggest drivers who do not need to travel refrain from going on the roads today, particularly during the heaviest snowfall, to give DelDOT plows time and ability to work.”
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Governor’s Statement on Weather Conditions

State of Delaware Offices Closed Today

(Wilmington) –  State of Delaware offices are closed today (Tuesday, February 17) during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees have been asked not to report to work for this period. Essential employees have been asked to report as scheduled. The Governor’s Office released this statement from Governor Markell on weather conditions:

“DelDOT crews are working hard this morning to clear Delaware’s primary roads,” said Governor Markell.  “While the snow will stop this morning, freezing conditions will remain throughout the day and some roads will remain treacherous.  DelDOT does not expect to start clearing secondary roads statewide until mid-day.  Due to those road conditions and because it does not appear that state facilities will be safe for employees and the public until some point late today, state offices will be closed. Other employers should evaluate for themselves whether and when their facilities will be safe and the status of road conditions in their vicinity.  We encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from going on the roads to give DelDOT plows time and ability to work.”
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Weather Condition Advisory for January 26, 2015

Wilmington – State officials are continuing to monitor weather conditions as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through 3 p.m. tomorrow.  While all of Delaware is expected to get some snow this evening and into tomorrow, the National Weather Service is advising there is a sharp cutoff in total expected snowfall between areas getting only a few inches or those getting around a foot.  Currently, state offices plan to open tomorrow, but that may change based on conditions in the early morning. Notice of the status of state offices will be posted by 5:30 a.m. Citizens and employees should check to see which offices are open in the morning. DelDOT continues to plow and salt roads as necessary, but drivers should exercise caution on the icy roads and allow plenty of room between vehicles.  Visibility may be diminished by falling and blowing snow.