As the snow continues to fall across Delaware, Troopers urge all motorists to use extreme caution when traveling on the roadways, as weather conditions may change rapidly over the next few hours. Motorists should be prepared for snow covered and slippery roads, along with limited visibilities which make driving conditions difficult. Use caution while driving when approaching intersections and off ramps, especially bridges and overpasses.
Motorists should reduce their normal speed on the highways and secondary roads and are encouraged to postpone or avoid unnecessary travel. Those who must drive are reminded to use extreme caution and be aware of these conditions.
Drivers are urged to stay off the roads as much as possible as the DelDOT crews continue working to clear the roads. Motorists should not hamper plowing efforts and only travel if absolutely necessary. As evening approaches, DelDOT’s primary focus is keeping the highways clear. As the snow begins to taper off and the major roads are clear, DelDot will concentrate on secondary and back roads.
If traveling, allow ample time to reach your destination, as well as extra space between vehicles, and keep vehicle headlights on. Troopers statewide continue to plan and prepare for the forecasted extreme cold weather, as they will be ready and available to patrol, assist disabled vehicles, and manage roadway incidents and hazards for the duration of the extreme cold weather.
Troopers urge all motorists who must travel to use extreme caution as weather conditions may change rapidly. Motorists should be prepared for strong winds and extreme cold weather which can make driving conditions difficult.
Check your vehicle ensuring it is in good working order for the expected conditions. Fill up the fuel tank in advance. Check the windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc. If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay with your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening. Be sure to have an emergency kit in the vehicle consisting of a blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger, flashlight, etc.
Because the storm has caused reduced visibility and is quickly covering recently plowed roads, DelDOT needs motorists to stay off the roads if possible. If you must travel, try to stay on major routes, slow down and leave plenty of space between your vehicle and others.
A number of collisions have been reported across the state as road conditions have become hazardous.
The following are the Winter Road Conditions for Sussex, Kent and New Castle, Delaware as of 6:00 p.m. As of this time there are no reported road closures.
New Castle County
Both primary and secondary roads are snow covered with light snowfall.
Property Damage Accidents – 47
Personal Injury Accidents – 8
Disabled Vehicles – 31
Traffic Hazards – 0
Kent County
Roads are snow covered and very slippery. It is currently raining.
Property Damage Accidents – 40
Personal Injury Accidents – 6
Disabled Vehicles – 34
Traffic Hazards – 0
Sussex County
The roads are snow covered with heavy snow falling.
Property Damage Accidents – 52
Personal Injury Accidents – 3
Disabled Vehicles – 9
Traffic Hazards – 0
Delaware is experiencing hazardous driving conditions across the state. Drivers need to reconsider any travel plans until the roads improve. Limited visibility, roads with ice and snow can be very dangerous to motorists and drivers are strongly urged to stay off the roadways. If travel is necessary the following additional winter safety guidelines should be followed:
Speed limit advisory signs are based on ideal travel conditions and should not be followed during inclement weather, reduce your speed and travel safely.
Maintain a safe following distance on snow and ice covered roads. Keep a safe following distance behind DelDOT crews.
Please know that bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas tend to freeze first.
Be safe and stay warm.
