The National Weather Service of Mt. Holly’s office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Delaware that is in effect from 7 p.m. this evening to 7 a.m. Wednesday. A low pressure system moving northeast is forecast to bring precipitation to the state that could result in one to three inches of snow by early morning Wednesday. A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Motorists who must be out should use caution while driving and be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities.
Precipitation is expected to start as a mix of rain and snow along the coastal areas but will be mainly snow inland. With some accumulation predicted throughout the state, Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) officials remind the public to avoid late night travel and to restrict early morning travel as much as possible.
DEMA Deputy Director Glenn Gillespie said, “It is very important that members of the public support road crews and responders by staying off the roads as much as possible during and following snowfall. Even two to three inches on the roads can make driving difficult and can lead to accidents. The safety of everyone is our concern, road crews as well as the general public. We need to all work together to stay safe and help each other out.”
At the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), crews were sent home early with the reminder that they may be called back later in the evening. “Since we put down 14,000 tons of salt and sand since Saturday, there is no need for us to pre-treat the roads,” said DelDOT Spokesman Jim Westhoff. “Because of all salt still on the roads, we can send some people home to get some rest until they are called back in.”
Westhoff said that some DelDOT people will remain on the job, monitoring road conditions and forecasts. “As soon as we need them, we can have our people behind the wheels of the plows very quickly.”
Bracing For A Possible Storm This Weekend
Gillespie said this overnight snow should be a good reminder of the importance of storm preparedness since long-range forecasts point to a more significant snow fall event this coming weekend.
‘The National Weather Service is looking at development of a system that is very similar to the one that led to the snow storm that hit Delaware Dec. 19,” he said. “This is the time to review family emergency plans that include a three- to five-day supply of food and water, alternate lighting such as battery-operated or crank-powered flashlights and lanterns, and a portable radio.”
He said tips for family emergency plans and supplies are available on the DEMA website, dema.delaware.gov, or on the state Citizen Corps website, delawarecitizencorps.org.
