Delaware governor declares state of emergency ahead of major blizzard
DELAWARE — Delaware Gov. Matthew Meyer declared a state of emergency Sunday as officials braced for what forecasters say could be a historic winter storm expected to blanket the state with up to 20 inches of snow.
The declaration, which took effect at noon, allows the state to mobilize additional resources, including activation of the Delaware National Guard, to prepare for and respond to the storm. State officials warned that driving restrictions are highly likely as conditions worsen.
“I’m declaring a State of Emergency and activating every available state resource to ensure Delawareans are protected as this blizzard blankets our communities, including increased risks for coastal flooding,” Meyer said in a statement, urging residents to prepare and stay off the roads once the storm begins.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency has been operating at an enhanced watch level since Saturday and is scheduled to move to full activation at 5 p.m. Sunday. Agency officials are coordinating response efforts at the State Emergency Operations Center with the Delaware National Guard, the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Department of Health and Social Services, Delaware State Police, local governments and the governor’s office.
The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for all of Delaware from Sunday through Monday. Forecasters said confidence remains high that the storm will bring 12 to 20 inches of snow statewide, with widespread closures and infrastructure impacts likely.
State officials said motorists should anticipate state-mandated driving restrictions if conditions deteriorate. Delaware uses a three-tier system:
Under a Level 1 driving warning, motorists are urged to avoid travel unless necessary and to use extreme caution.
A Level 2 driving restriction prohibits most travel except for essential personnel, including emergency workers, first responders and health care workers.
A Level 3 driving ban limits road travel to emergency personnel, utility crews, snow removal operators and certain private-sector workers such as fuel and flood response teams.
Residents were urged to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System to receive updates and to prepare homes and vehicles in advance of the storm. Officials recommended stocking up on nonperishable food, water, prescription medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, and checking on elderly neighbors and relatives.
Drivers were advised to fill gas tanks, top off vehicle fluids, check tires and wiper blades, and carry blankets, jumper cables and ice scrapers. Officials also reminded motorists to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, avoid passing snowplows and use headlights in low-visibility conditions.
The emergency management agency said it will continue to provide updates as the storm progresses and urged residents to monitor forecasts and heed all travel advisories.
