The First State is slowly getting back on its feet after the weekend blizzard.
Heavy snow in Kent and New Castle Counties and flooding in Sussex brought things to a near halt Saturday and Sunday – but Gov. Jack Markell says the First State is rebounding.
“I think we did weather the storm pretty well. If you’re one of those folks who got flooding, obviously you won’t feel it. But overall, I think the emergency response community did a great job and I’m really grateful to all of them," said Markell.
Markell lifted the state of emergency and statewide Level 1 driving restriction overnight at midnight Monday, but there is still recovery work to be done. Markell toured Sussex County areas near the coast where flooding was a major issue by helicopter Sunday afternoon. He says dunes were wiped out in places like Rehoboth and Bethany Beach
“You know, it’s disappointing, but fortunately we’re talking about lost sand rather than lost property. The dunes that were there before did a good job protecting what they were supposed to protect, but that’s going to have to be rebuilt,” said Markell.
Markell also noted that some bay communities are still dealing with floodwaters.
There is some good news in Sussex. Route 1 between Dewey and Bethany Beaches reopened, along with most other roads previously closed by high water. DelDOT also reports that in all three counties, all primary roads are clear of snow, while all secondary roads are passable, with a minor amount of snow or ice in some areas. But many neighborhood streets have yet to be plowed. That work is expected to start Monday.
Clean-up from the flooding in Sussex and snow throughout the state is prompting closings and delayed openings.
State offices will open late at 10 am Monday. Same story for Kent County offices and city offices in Dover and Newark. Government offices in Wilmington and New Castle County are closed.
DART service and Paratransit – after being suspended for two days – will resume with a handful of exceptions and possible delays. SEPTA rail service is also set to begin again, though delays are possible
