The season’s latest winter storm is starting to dump snow on the First State.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the entire state until 6am Wednesday. They’re predicting between 6 and 15 inches up and down Delaware, with the higher snowfall amounts expected in New Castle County and lower amounts in Sussex. The heaviest snow is expected this afternoon. And behind the snow is bone-chilling cold. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the overnight hours. That’s when temperatures will be in the single digits and wind chills below zero in some places.
The snow has all school districts in the state closing early with most already in the process of sending students home. The weather is also closing state offices at noon and forced the General Assembly to cancel its session today.
"Snow has begun falling throughout most of the state and significant snowfall totals are expected," said Governor Jack Markell in a statement. "DelDOT crews are actively working to clear primary roads and will continue to do so. We strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from going on the roads to give DelDOT plows time and ability to work. If you don't need to be driving, stay home until roads are cleared."
Markell cited the likelihood that road conditions will deteriorate for the decision to close state offices. He is not declaring a state of emergency, but added that businesses in the state should evaluate the status of road conditions in their vicinity as they decided on whether or not to remain open.
DelDOT has crews already working in New Castle County and is urging people to stay off the roads, if possible.
DART has announced some changes to its schedule. In New Castle County, the last trips out of Downtown Wilmington will leave Rodney Square at approximately 5 pm. In Sussex County, the last trip on Route 206 will leave Rehoboth at 5:45 pm and the last bus on Route 212 will leave Laurel at 3:15 pm. No changes are being made to Kent County service.
Paratransit service will be limited in all three countries. In New Castle County, home pick-ups ended at noon and DART is focusing on return trips there. In Kent and Sussex Counties there will be no home pick-ups after 3pm.