A significant winter storm is expected to hit the First State over the weekend.
The snow is set to start as early as 8 pm Saturday in Sussex County with most of the snow in the rest of the state holding off until after midnight.
The snow will continue Sunday, then change to a wintry mix, and that changeover could bring lesser snow totals according to Meteorologist Amanda Lee.
“That's because we're more focused on now on the potential for that mixed precipitation with the ice sleet and freezing rain, mixing in later in the event on top of the snow." said Lee.
The winter storm is expected to drop 8-12 inches of snow and sleet in Northern Delaware, 6- 8 in the central part of the state and 4-6 in Southern Delaware, according to the National Weather Service. 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice could follow after the changeover. Precipitation is likely to sw tch to all rain Sunday night in Sussex County.
Lee says the real issues can start once the wintry mix hits Delaware.
"Even if there's a little bit less snow and we end up with more ice, there's going to be the potential for still very hazardous travel conditions, very slick roads and then potential, if we get significant accumulations of ice closer to the quarter inch range, then that increases the potential for power outages, with ice accumulating on power lines and on trees," said Lee.
The snow and wintry mix will be sandwiched by bitterly cold temperatures, and the cold on the back end means any snow that falls will stick around for a while.
Lee notes temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing through the next week.
Gov. Matt Meyer has declared a State of Emergency starting at midnight Sunday. That allows for the mobilization of state resources to respond, including the National Guard. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency plans to fully activate it operations Sunday morning.
Meyer also announced a Level I driving restriction at midnight. That encourages people not to drive unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.
Code Purple shelters are open 24 hours statewide.
Mayor John Carney has also declared a state of emergency in Wilmington. That includes announcing all non-essential city operations will be closed Monday.
The Univ. of Delaware has suspended operations on its Newark campus Monday. Only essential personnel should report to work and there will be no in person classes.Teachers should inform students if they will met virtually.
Delaware State University campus operations will be conducted remotely Monday with asynchronous classes held virtually as scheduled.
Goldey-Beacom College is also closing Monday.
