Progress is being made in clearing the state’s roadways, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation, yet state safety and law enforcement officials are asking everyone to stay home unless there is an emergency. 

“Keep in mind that the National Guard Humvees [high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle] are getting stuck on the secondary roads, so that’s a strong indicator that the average person without four-wheel drive should not be attempting to head out on the roadways if it is not an emergency,” said DelDOT spokesman Jim Westhoff.

The state of emergency declared by Gov. Jack Markell at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, remains in effect until official notice is issued by the Governor’s Office and Delaware Emergency Management Agency.  It was modified at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, to lift the mandatory driving restriction.

Office of Highway Safety (OHS) officials are especially concerned since this is Super Bowl Sunday.  “We know people are a little stir crazy and would like to go watch the game out or with friends, but we’re asking you to celebrate at home instead,” said Andrea Summers, OHS spokeswoman.  “Please weigh your desire to get out with the need for public safety.  We don’t want you to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday in a ditch.”

While there are still widespread power outages, particularly in Sussex County, Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative are making steady progress.  Approximately 38,000 households in Delaware were without power Saturday night, but by 8:30 a.m., Sunday morning, that number had been reduced to just over 16,000.  Both agencies say they are working as quickly as possible to restore power, but they expect this will be a multiday event.  

Those in Kent and Sussex counties without power are encouraged to consider relocating to an emergency shelter.  There are four shelters open in Kent County and Sussex County.  The shelter in New Castle County at the Odessa Fire Hall is closing at 9 a.m.

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