State of Emergency declared in Del., Gov. Carney also issues driving restrictions ahead of storm

WILMINGTON, Del. – In preparation for a severe winter storm to impact the state of Delaware, Governor John Carney has issued a State of Emergency for Kent and Sussex Counties and authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery.

In addition, Governor Carney has issued a Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex Counties, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday. This means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways except for those designated as essential personnel. Travel on roadways is restricted to certain state employees, emergency workers, first responders, healthcare workers, utility workers, snow removal operators, private sector food and fuel deliveries, and individuals already approved through DEMA’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

State and local officials are directed to remove abandoned vehicles from roads in affected areas at the expense of the vehicle owner after 10 p.m. Friday while the driving restriction is in effect in Kent and Sussex Counties. Under Delaware Code, failure to obey an Emergency Order may result in a fine of $50 to $500 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

The State of Emergency authorizes additional resources to assist with winter storm response. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state’s response, including resources from the Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, Delaware Division of Public Health, and Delaware National Guard.