Blizzard in forecast for all of Sussex

The National Weather Service has updated its blizzard warning to include all of Sussex County.

Blizzard conditions will exist most of Saturday, Jan. 29, with sustained winds at 30 to 40 miles per hour and gusts as high as 50 miles per hour. Snow accumulations are estimated at 8 to 15 inches. Blowing and drifting snow will create hazardous driving conditions with very low visibility. Power outages are possible.

Wind speed is expected to increase and snow is expected to start falling after midnight Jan. 28 and continue for most of the following day. Wind chills could fall below zero Saturday into Sunday, Jan. 30.

Gale to storm force winds are forecast for Delaware Bay. Widespread coastal flooding could occur Saturday morning.

Matt Rogers, a meteorologist with the Capital Weather Gang who lives in Lewes, said the storm will bring a different kind of snow than was experienced Jan. 3.

“That storm started as rain and developed into heavy, wet snow,” he said. “This snow should be drier and powdery.” Rogers said this is the second storm in January where the storm track has developed over the coastal area, not inland and northward, which is unusual based on recent weather data.

A windy, cold forecast

A blizzard warning has been issued for all of Sussex County from 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28, through 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 29.

NOAA and the National Weather Service issued the following forecast:

Friday, Jan. 28 – Snow starting after 7 p.m. with areas of blowing snow after 1 a.m. North winds at 11 to 14 miles per hour increasing to 23 to 26 miles per hour with gusts as high as 37 miles per hour. Snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches.

Saturday, Jan. 29, daytime – Blizzard conditions with blowing, drifting snow throughout the day with the temperature falling to 24F by 11 a.m. Sustained winds at 29 to 32 miles per hour with gusts as high as 45 to 50 miles per hour. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches.

Saturday, Jan. 29, nighttime – A 30 percent chance of snow before 7 p.m. with gradual clearing. The temperature is expected to fall to 15F with below-zero wind chills.

Sunday, Jan. 30 – Sunny with a high near 31F and a low of 22F. Diminishing winds.

DEMA will coordinate response

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, local, state, and federal partners are closely monitoring the winter storm anticipated to arrive Friday, Jan. 28, into Saturday, Jan. 29. DEMA continues to coordinate with counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness. 

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated as of 9 a.m., Jan. 28 to coordinate the statewide response.

The main threats are anticipated to include high winds, which may lead to downed trees and power lines, extreme cold, snow, and minor coastal flooding.

To view the briefing package from the National Weather Service, go to: www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf.

Rehoboth Beach declares snow emergency to clear roads

In anticipation of the snow and to ensure emergency routes are cleared effectively, Rehoboth Beach declared a snow emergency Jan. 27. Beginning at 6 p.m. no parking will be permitted on the city’s snow routes, which include Bayard Avenue, Rehoboth Avenue and State Road. Cars parked in violation of snow emergency parking regulations will be ticketed and may be towed at the owner’s expense.

The snow emergency is in effect until the snow has stopped and all snow has been removed from the full width of the roadways or until the city cancels the snow emergency.

Lewes readies for storm

Lewes crews will work throughout the weekend, beginning Jan. 28, to plow roads and clear city-maintained sidewalks. City snow emergency routes are Cedar Avenue, Dewey Avenue, Kings Highway, Ocean View Boulevard from West Fourth Street to Canary Drive, Savannah Road, Second Street, and West Fourth Street. Vehicle parking is prohibited on these routes, and any vehicles not moved are subject to being ticketed and/or towed. For other city roads, utilize off-street parking if possible to improve plow access to clear roadways.

As plow operators work hard to make roadways passable, there is no way for us to avoid some accumulation of snow in front of driveways. The city does not have the staff to go back and clear every driveway. There are several landscaping companies who provide snow removal services. Residents are encouraged to contact these companies if you need assistance with snow removal. It is the responsibility of the property owner to clear the public sidewalk in front of the property

Trash and recycling collection scheduled for Monday, Jan. 31, is rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3, to allow city staff to continue clearing areas Monday.

With high winds, there is the potential for power outages. If you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Call the Lewes Board of Public Works at 302-645-6228. 

Town of Dewey Beach prepares

Dewey Beach Town Manager said that public works employees will begin clearing all town streets with a snow plow and Kubota tractor from about 8 p.m. until midnight, Friday, Jan. 28 and will resume about 6 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 29.

Zolper asked all residents to move vehicles and objects off the streets while the town is plowing and removing snow. Please note, town employees will be removing all portable crosswalk signs.

Dewey residents who lose power during the storm are asked to call Delmarva Power & Light at 1-800-898-8042, Zolper said, adding that anyone who notices downed power lines should stay away from the area and contact DPL immediately.

Georgetown activates snow emergency plan

Effective at 7 p.m. Jan. 28, the Town of Georgetown will activate its snow emergency plan. Parking restrictions will apply to designated snow emergency routes, making it easier and more effective for equipment to clear snow from the streets.

The designated snow emergency routes are:
 
· Market Street (east and west)
· Bedford Street (north and south)
· Bridgeville Road
· Pine Street (east and west)
· Race Street (north and south)
· Front Street (north and south)
· East Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Race Street
· West Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street
· Edward Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street
· West North Street – North Bedford Street to DuPont Highway (Route 113)
· Albury Avenue – East Market Street to Cedar Street

Vehicles parked along these streets may be subject to towing if not removed by the owner. Town ordinance states that sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall. Residents with a fire hydrant near their property are asked to take time to ensure it is cleared and visible. Residents with questions should go to georgetowndel.com or call the town offices at 302-856-7391.

Live in Milford? Here’s how to report a power outage

If you live in Milford and your power goes out during a storm, go to http://cityofmilford.com/535/MyMilford and see if someone else has reported the outage in your area. If so, you can subscribe to updates on that case. If not, enter the appropriate information and submit the outage. You will receive updates on the progress of the return to power.  Go to cityofmilford.com for more updates.

Snow routes in Milford are as follows: NE and NW Front streets (Route 14), SE Front St. (Route 36), and Lakeview Ave. (Route 36) and N. and S. Walnut streets. No parking is permitted after one hour of snowfall on these roads and cars are subject to being towed at the owners expense. Residents should consider off-street parking even if the don’t live on a snow route so plows can quickly clear streets.