UPDATE: Driving Restrictions Lifted Across Delaware

UPDATE: Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has lifted all driving restrictions statewide, effective immediately.

There are no driving warnings or restrictions in Delaware at this time. However, motorists are strongly urged to exercise caution as roadways may still have patches of ice and snow, or may experience downed trees in some areas. Drivers should remain vigilant for black ice and proceed with caution when travelling over bridges that tend to freeze.

UPDATE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has downgraded the driving restrictions in Kent and Sussex Counties to Level 2, while New Castle County remains at Level 1.

As a reminder, under a Level 2 driving restriction, only essential personnel are permitted to operate vehicles on Delaware roadways. Please refer to earlier coverage in this article for details. 

This update was published on Feb. 23 at 5:19 p.m. 

UPDATE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency has downgraded the driving restrictions in New Castle County to Level 1, while Kent and Sussex counties continue to remain at Level 3.

Under a Level 1 driving warning, residents should avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution.

Additionally, officials say the National Guard Assets have been reassigned from New Castle County to assist with emerging needs and aid in Kent and Sussex Counties.

This update was published on Feb. 23 at 12:10 p.m. 

SMYRNA, Del. — A Level 3 driving ban remains in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties, while New Castle County continues under a Level 2 driving restriction until further notice due to hazardous road conditions, state officials said.

The restrictions are intended to protect emergency responders and essential personnel by limiting nonessential travel during severe weather and dangerous roadway conditions.

Under a Level 3 driving ban, no one may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways except first responders, first informers and other designated essential personnel. This includes public utility workers and operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by public or private entities.

State officials are encouraging businesses, professional offices and other organizations to take protective measures, including suspending operations or sheltering in place. Employers are prohibited from taking disciplinary action against employees who are unable or refuse to report to work due to the Level 3 driving ban. Violations of the ban may result in penalties.

In New Castle County, a Level 2 driving restriction allows only essential personnel to travel on Delaware roadways. This includes operators of snow removal equipment and individuals approved through the State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program administered by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, serves as the lead state agency for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts statewide.

Officials said the restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve. Residents are urged to monitor official channels for updates.

This article was originally published on Feb. 23 at 9:26 a.m.