Gov. Jack Markell lifted a Limited State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning for Sussex County, Saturday night.
Delaware Department of Transportation snowplow crews reported progress on Sunday in clearing primary and secondary roads in Sussex.
Fortunately, the primary roads across the state were mostly snow and ice free, so some assets have been shifted to focus on secondary and minor roads. In addition, crews are working to clear snow from intersections and median crossovers, a release stated.
Crews did find that some roads in Sussex saw blowing and drifting snow returning on Sunday, leading to continued work on those areas.
DelDOT officials once again, asked motorists to drive very slowly and patiently when driving near a DelDOT plow.
According to state law, a “Level 1 Driving Warning” means that any person operating a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways must exercise extra caution. All nonessential employees, public and private, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. There are no penalties.
The declaration also allows the governor to position the National Guard and the state Emergency Management Agency to respond to problems while allowing the Department of Transportation to close roads and bridges if necessary.
Markell also urged caution when driving elsewhere in the state.
DelDOT crews reported in Sussex County at 2:00 a.m. Saturday to begin salting and plowing operations.
“While the road and weather conditions have improved enough to lift the State of Emergency, I continue to urge people to avoid driving when possible in Sussex and Kent Counties to allow DelDOT to continue to plow efficiently,” Markell said.. “We expect plowing to continue all day tomorrow and possibly into Monday to ensure the best conditions for the morning commute. If you must be on the roads, please continue to drive cautiously and keep your distance from the plows. I thank all of the DelDOT workers who have responded to this storm and all of the residents who have heeded our calls for caution today.”
New Castle County ended up with more snow than originally forecast.
Wilmington increased snow plowing, salt and sanding efforts Saturday afternoon in response to the increasing intensity of today’s snowfall. Upwards of five inches was possible by Saturday night.
The National Weather Service earlier issued a Winter Storm Warning for Sussex County effective through 6 p.m., noting the potential for near-blizzard conditions near the beaches and for strong wind gusts up to 35 miles power to cause snow drifts.
A foot or more of snow fell in some coastal areas from the storm. A Winter Storm Warning is also in effect through 6 p.m. in Kent County, though less snowfall is anticipated. A Winter Storm Advisory is in effect in New Castle County until 4 p.m.
A Winter Storm Warning was also in effect through 6 p.m. in Kent County, though less snowfall was anticipated. A Winter Storm Advisory is in effect in New Castle County until 4 p.m.
Snowplow tracker and road condition information can be found through DelDOT app or by going to www.deldot.gov/map.
