Gov. Jack Markell issued a level one driving warning, beginning at midnight, as snow began to accumulate in Delaware. As much as two feet of snow is expected in the northern part of the state.
A State of Emergency was also declared that sets the stage for restrictions on driving in many areas if the storm reaches its likely strength.
The snow came first to southern and central Delaware, with 3.6 inches in Bridgeville and 3.2 inches in Dover. New Castle reported 1.9 inches and Greenville had .4 of an inch. The figures were from the .2DEOS monitoring network as of 10:30 p.m. on Friday.
.Markell noted that the National Weather Service has declared a Blizzard Warning for New Castle County. Kent and Sussex Counties are under a Winter Storm Watch.
“We expect 12-18 inches or more of snow in the northern half of the state, as well as flooding in southern Delaware,” said Markell, who urged motorists to exercise caution as conditions deteriorate. He also asked residents to check on loved ones and neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities.
Under a level one driving warning all nonessential employees, public and private, are asked not to operate a motor vehicle “unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.”
Highways were busy in some areas of nothern Friday night in northern Delaware made last-minute errands as the storm approached.
At the governor’s request, Delaware National Guard and DelDOT began pre-positioning their resources yesterday in anticipation of this weekend’s storm. The State of Emergency declaration allows the Governor to deploy the Delaware National Guard, DelDOT, first responders, and other agencies to open or close roadways and take other actions to protect public safety and property during the storm event.
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.
According to a release, if forecasts are accurate, the Level One driving warning will be upgraded to a “Level 2 Driving Restriction” on Saturday.
According to state law, under a “Level 2 Driving Restriction,” no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel” or who have received a waiver from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. The following persons are specifically designated as “essential personnel” under Delaware law:
Operators of snow removal equipment (public and private);
– Persons providing public utility services;
– Persons providing healthcare services; and
– Persons providing food and fuel deliveries.
Earlier, DART First State announced it will cancel Saturday bus service and train service to and from Philadelphia.
Also, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry will cancel service on Saturday, with plans to resume trips on Sunday.
