Snowstorm causes widespread problems

A Jan. 6 storm that blanketed the Lewes area with up to a foot of snow made driving difficult, caused accidents, and shut down schools along with many businesses and public services, as the effects lingered through the week.

Delaware State Police responded to numerous crashes and disabled vehicles throughout Sussex County during the storm, but details were not immediately available Jan. 9, said Master Cpl. Lewis Briggs in an email.

According to reports received by the National Weather Service, 8 inches to a foot of snow fell in the Lewes area between Monday morning and evening, said Zack Cooper, a meteorologist for the NWS.

A low-pressure system moving east off the coast of North Carolina and Virginia provided lift to the moist air, fueling the widespread storm, Cooper said. 

Despite the storm, Lewes Fire Chief Bill Henry Buckaloo said his agency had few calls for assistance, and the lack of heavy winds during the storm spared the area more troubles.

“We had all three of our stations staffed by volunteers and career staff,” Buckaloo said. “It was a significant snowfall. What saved us is that the wind was not a factor. If we had strong winds like a typical nor’easter, there would have been drifting snow and wires down. We didn’t have any fires. We had EMS calls, and we sent a chase truck with manpower and shovels.”

There were no reports of downed power lines, and there was not widespread blowing snow across roadways, which would have contributed to accidents, he said.

“I think we dodged the bullet,” Buckaloo said.

He did note an ongoing problem caused by the storm. Some secondary roads were yet to be plowed by Jan. 9, and many fire hydrants are buried.

Firefighters had difficulty reaching the scene of an apartment building fire Jan. 8 on Route 24 near Love Creek, and they had to dig out the hydrant, which slowed their response, Buckaloo said.

They quickly extinguished the fire in the one apartment after they reached the building, and there were no injuries, but the apartment cannot be occupied until repairs are made, he said.

Buckaloo asks homeowners to clear hydrants when they are shoveling sidewalks so they can be accessed quickly in an emergency.

Buckaloo said he was relieved that projected snowfall for a storm forecast for Friday, Jan. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 11, has been downgraded.

The National Weather Service is calling for continued cold temperatures for the foreseeable future, with high daily temperatures in the low to mid-30s with overnight lows in the 20s. High winds through Jan. 10 will complicate conditions, blowing snow and making treacherous spots on roadways. 

Come Monday, Jan. 13, the high is expected to be 39 with sunny skies before dipping again as the week goes on.