Carney authorizes National Guard, issues driving restrictions for winter storm

As the region braces for blizzard conditions, Gov. John Carney has issued a State of Emergency in Kent and Sussex counties, and authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery.

 

Carney also issued a Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex counties, and a Level 1 Driving Warning for New Castle County, beginning at 10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 28.

 

Level 2 Driving Restriction (Kent and Sussex counties) means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as essential personnel. Travel on roadways is restricted to certain state employees, emergency workers, first responders, healthcare workers, utility workers, snow-removal operators, private-sector food and fuel deliveries, and individuals already approved through DEMA's State of Emergency Driving Waiver program.

 

Level 1 Driving Warning (New Castle County) means Delawareans should avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. 

Under Delaware Code, failure to obey an emergency order may result in a fine of $50 to $500 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

 

The State of Emergency authorizes additional resources to assist with winter storm response. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency s coordinating the state’s response, including resources from the Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, Delaware Division of Public Health, and Delaware National Guard. 

 

The DelDOT snowplow tracker will be active during the storm and is available via the DelDOT smartphone app and deldot.gov, under the interactive maps icon. DelDOT also has more than 200 traffic cameras that are available to view road conditions around the state. Winter weather preparedness tips for home and travel can be found at PrepareDE.org. 

 

A Code Purple has been declared across the state, and shelters are opening to take in Delawareans who are experiencing homelessness. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1. If you see someone outside who appears to be homeless, encourage them to seek emergency shelter or call a non-emergency police number to alert police to the situation.