Delaware continues to be under a winter storm warning as a large storm system drops snow on all three counties. Snow is expected to fall through the overnight hours into Sunday morning with accumulations of up to a foot in some areas.
Even in areas where snow has switched over to rain or a rain-sleet mix, a snow-slush accumulation remains on the ground and roads. Rain, sleet and snow mix is expected to continue in parts of Sussex County while the rest of the state continues to have snow.
Most roads are snow covered and slippery at this time. DelDOT and Delaware Emergency Management Agency strongly urge the public to avoid driving until conditions improve and roads can be cleared. As temperatures fall and winds increase tonight, road surfaces will be icy and blowing snow could limit visibility. Delaware State Police have responded to numerous accidents throughout the afternoon and are advising motorists to stop all unnecessary travel.
Those who must drive should use extreme caution. Speeds should be lowered appropriately and a safe distance maintained between vehicles. Motorists are advised to have safety equipment such as flares, flashlights, a cell phone, first aid kit, boots and other extra clothing if they must travel.
DelDOT officials report that crews continue to work plowing and salting most primary and secondary roads. There are no major road closures, but snow and/or slush continue to blanket roads. Approximately 400
Trucks that plow and spread salt are on roads statewide. By noon Saturday, 1,000 tons of salt had been spread in New Castle County alone.
According to Darrel Cole, DelDOT spokesperson, the state has 45,000 tons available. Each truck carries eight to ten tons. Cole reminds motorists not to tailgate or attempt to pass the working trucks.
With winds gusting up to 35 mph, the National Weather Service forecast calls for temperatures in the single digits over night. For safety, those who must go out should wear multiple layers of clothing and keep head, ears and hands covered. Whenever possible, pets should be brought indoors, or at a minimum, kept in a well-insulated outdoor shelter. Pet owners must take care to regularly check water dishes of outdoor pets and provide them with unfrozen water.
Pets that walk in roadways that might be chemically treated, or even in driveways that might have antifreeze or other chemical residues, should be thoroughly cleaned after being outside. Their feet, legs and stomach should be wiped off to prevent them from licking harmful chemicals.
As always, DEMA encourages the public to review emergency preparedness materials adapted specifically for Delaware. Many materials are available to help individuals and businesses in their preparations and actions. The Community Outreach – Operation Preparedness booklet, “Family Emergency Preparedness,” and a brochure, “What Should You Do if a Coastal Storm Threatens Your Community?” both contain instructions and suggestions for preparing for many types of disruptive events, including winter storms.
The booklet and the brochure are available on the DEMA website, dema.delaware.gov, and copies may be obtained from DEMA, the emergency management offices in each county and the City of Wilmington.
The following tips are examples of ways to prevent injury and possible death from the effects of storms, and winter weather in general:
- Dress appropriately with head and hands covered if you go outdoors in temperatures below freezing. Provide shelter for pets or farm animals.
2. Have a household emergency supply kit, including a supply of drinking water and non-perishable foods. Bottled water or water in containers should be stored in case water and other utilities are disrupted.
3. Ensure that flashlights and a battery-powered radios are in good working order. Have plenty of batteries. Use of candles and other open-flame light sources is not recommended.
4. Avoid over-exertion. Cold weather puts a strain on the heart, even without exercise. Many winter deaths occur from over-exertion while shoveling heavy snow or pushing cars stuck in snow.
5. Check on neighbors and relatives during cold waves and winter storms. The elderly are especially susceptible to hypothermia and falls on icy surfaces.
6. If you lose power or other utilities, do not call 911. Use a customer service number for information.
7. As temperatures remain below freezing, take precautions to keep pipes from freezing. Contact your plumber or hardware dealer for recommendations of the best measures to protect or thaw pipes.
The public should monitor weather conditions and recommendations on local broadcast media and on the state web site, www.Delaware.gov , Closings and Delays sub-page and the DEMA web site, dema.delaware.gov.
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