Storm Report #3 – Wednesday Morning January 22 (5:30am)

(Smyrna) – Governor Markell has declared all state offices closed today, Wednesday, January 22, 2014, during regular business hours of 8am to 4:30pm.  Non-essential state employees are not to report for work during this period, while essential employees should report as scheduled.  The State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning remain in effect for the entire State of Delaware.

The Delaware Code defines a Level 1 Driving Warning in this manner: “Level 1 Driving Warning: A “Level 1 Driving Warning” shall mean 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.”

The National Weather Service says snowfall ended in New Castle and Kent Counties around 4:30 this morning, with light amounts still falling in Sussex County where further accumulations should be limited.  Winds will be 15-20 MPH today with gusts up to 30 MPH.  Bitterly cold air will through the remainder of the week and temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Saturday.

Actual snow accumulations vary from just over 10 inches near Hockessin (Northern New Castle County) to 1 inch at Laurel (Sussex County) with just over 5.5 inches in the Dover area (Kent County).  Temperatures overnight fell from the teens into the single digits, with wind chills as low as 12 degrees below zero.  The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) reports that salt is ineffective on roads when temperatures are single digit, and crews have been challenged by winds that have covered over primary roads that were already cleared.  Secondary and local roads have not been treated by DelDOT as crews continue to work on the primary roads.   Travel will remain hazardous due to snow covered roadways, low visibility and drifting, and will continue into the day Wednesday.  The commute on Wednesday morning will be impacted by blowing and drifting snow, especially in open areas.  Below zero wind chills will continue on Wednesday and the National Weather Service says there could still be issues with blowing snow.

The speed limit on Interstate 495 has been reduced to 45 MPH.  Other major roads in New Castle County are reported to be snow covered and slick.  High winds are causing drifting snow.  In Kent County, major roads are covered with snow, ice and slush.  Major roads in Sussex County are generally reported to be wet with light snow, and a minimal accumulation.  All bridges are open, but the speed limit on the Delaware Memorial Bridge remains at 30 MPH.

There are still no reports of widespread power outages in the state with only 17 statewide at the time of this report.  Residents should continue to be prepared in the event that high winds and snow accumulations bring down power lines.

All school districts in Delaware are closed today.  Wednesday, January 22nd.  Some colleges and universities have posted their status on school websites, with Wilmington University and Goldey-Beacom College closed.  Delaware Technical and Community College Stanton and Wilmington campuses are closed.  The University of Delaware will be opening at noon.  No information is available at this time on other colleges or universities.

 


State of Delaware Offices Closed Today

DOVER – State of Delaware offices are closed today (Wednesday, January 22) 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.


Storm Report #3 – Friday Morning January 3rd (6:00am)

(Smyrna) – State offices are closed today, Friday, January 3, 2014 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.  Public schools will also be closed in Delaware.  Some private and charter schools have already reported closures.  Listen to local radio, watch television or check district and school websites for details.

Snow fell across the state overnight with various readings of accumulation, some as high as 7 inches.  Generally, according to the National Weather Service (NWS), Sussex County received 3 inches of snow, while 4-7 inches blanketed the rest of the state. Winter Storm Warnings posted by the National Weather Service remain in effect.  Snow should be tapering off through morning today.

Emergency crews will be dealing with high winds.  The top layer of snow is very light and winds will cause it to drift.  The bottom layer of snow is mostly ice because the early snowfall consisted of a wet snow.  DelDOT crews have been kept busy overnight trying to keep major roads clear, but drifting snow will cause plows to have to return to previously cleared roads, which will further delay DelDOT crews in their efforts to begin working on secondary and minor roads, and bus routes.

Gale warnings are posted along the coast and parts of the Delaware Bay, and Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect statewide.

Extreme cold during the day will also cause dangerous conditions for people who venture out.  Temperatures are expected to drop as the day goes along, and by tonight, some areas may see actual temperatures around 0°F, with wind chills below zero.  If people have to go out, they should dress in layers to stay warm. Hypothermia is a very real hazard in these conditions. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors.  Limit time spent outside clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks and vehicles.

Delaware State Police are reporting:

New Castle County

Road conditions are still the same, there are some lanes that are clear, but still others that are snow covered. TMC is working on main rds, 95,495, but some of the other main rds are down to one lane. Traffic is starting to pick up out on the road ways. Snow in New Castle Co has tapered off, but it remains very cold with strong winds and blowing snow.

Property Damage Accidents: 0

Personal Injury Accidents: 0

Disabled vehicles 2

 

Kent County

Roads are snow covered and slippery. Lights snow is falling with some drifting.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 3

Disabled Vehicles 6

Traffic Hazards 0

 

Sussex County

Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush. Secondary roads have drifts in some spots making them unpassable in the northern to central areas of county. Hardscrabble Rd in the area of Cross Keys Rd has power line down, fire units on scene. Still snowing at this time with some drifting on already plowed roads.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 4

Disabled Vehicles 2

 

Despite trucks working overnight, DelDOT says that major roads across the state remain snow covered, with ice in some areas.  DelDOT is asking people who do not have to go out to stay at home.  Roads are not clear, and motorists run the risk of getting stuck in snow on secondary and minor roads.  Extremely low temperatures and wind chills will make pushing a stuck vehicle a dangerous proposition.


State of Delaware Offices CLOSED Today

DOVER – State of Delaware offices are closed today (Friday, January 3) 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.


Storm Report #2 – Friday Morning January 3rd (2:30am)

(Smyrna) – Officials at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) continue to monitor the storm that has dropped snow statewide since starting early Thursday evening.  The Winter Storm Warnings statewide posted Thursday by the National Weather Service (NWS) remain in effect.  NWS continues the forecast that as much as 6-8 inches of snow could fall in New Castle and Kent Counties, with 3-5 inches in Sussex County.

The weather is creating two problems for Delaware – snow accumulations with high winds, and bitter, dangerous freezing temperatures.  Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties.

Winds are causing the snow to drift and create patchy areas on roadways, and extreme caution is needed by motorists.  The extreme cold that accompanied the snow is creating other problems.  Temperatures are in the teens overnight across Delaware; by morning, wind chills could be around -5 degrees Fahrenheit.  Those who are going outside should dress warmly, in layers, as hypothermia is a possible hazard. If you have outdoor pets, get them shelter or bring them indoors.

 

 

Delaware State Police are reporting:

New Castle County

At this time road conditions remain the same.  All major roads, are still snow covered, slick and wet.  These roads include I-95, I-495, US 13, SR 141, US 40, SR 896, as well as all secondary roads, which are snow covered and slick.  According to state police on the streets, all roads are open but dangerously slick and snow covered with drifting snow. Traffic has slowed some but still vehicles remain on the roadway. It is still snowing and very cold in New Castle Co.  Drivers are cautioned to watch for drifting snow from strong winds.  Visibility is low due to blowing snow.

Property Damage Accidents: 1

Personal Injury Accidents: 0

Disabled vehicles 10

 

Kent County

Roads are snow covered.  Light snow and mist.  On SR 1 at Exit 91, a white chevy HHR was left overnight, and will be removed during daylight.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 3

Disabled Vehicles 5

Traffic Hazards 0

 

Sussex County

Roads are still covered with snow, ice and slush.  It is snowing, heavy at times.

Personal Injury Accidents 0

Property damage accident 2

Disabled Vehicles 4

 

DelDOT dropped the speed limit on I-495 to 45MPH early Thursday evening due to road conditions.  DelDOT crews pre-treated state roadways during daylight hours on Thursday with brine, and continue salting and plowing roadways statewide.

 

DelDOT says from the area of I-95 north to the state line, Primary, Secondary, and Minor roads along with Bus Routes are snow covered.  DelDOT says roads in New Castle County from Newark to the Kent County line, are wet & snow covered / Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered 2 to 4 inches.  All roads are still passable at this time.  In Kent County, Primaries, Secondary roads, Minor roads and Bus Routes are snow covered with one and a half to 3 inches of snow.  In Sussex, Secondary roads, Minor roads & Bus Routes are snow covered by a half-inch to 3 inches.