Delawareans urged to prepare for severe weather

(AP) Delaware Gov. Jack Markell is urging state residents to prepare for severe weather in advance of a winter storm expected to dump more than a foot of snow on the area.

The National Weather Service has declared a blizzard watch for New Castle and Kent counties, while Sussex County is under a winter storm watch.

Markell is urging Delawareans to begin their preparations for the weekend, including changing travel plans to avoid traveling on area roads Friday night and Saturday. He says residents in flood-prone areas of Kent and Sussex Counties also should consider relocating for the weekend.

Markell has authorized the National Guard, in coordination with Delaware’s emergency management agency, to preposition forces to assist local first responders with stranded motorists, flooding evacuations, or any other emergencies.