Sussex spared from winter storm

Sussex County was mostly spared from a winter storm that delivered far less snow than early forecasts predicted.

Periods of heavy rain and strong winds began late March 13, flooding some roadways throughout the state. Sussex County remained under a coastal flood warning until 3 p.m., and a high wind warning until 4 p.m., March 14.

The Delaware Environmental Observing System recorded 3.61 inches of rain at its Cape Henlopen station – significant, but minor compared to a September 2016 rain event that dumped 6-12 inches on the Cape Region.

New Castle County saw 3-4 inches of snow, prompting Gov. John Carney to issue a Level 1 driving warning lifted at noon. State offices in New Castle County were closed for the day.

Kent County saw trace amounts of snow, but Route 1 southbound between Barkers Landing and Mulberrie Point Road is closed due to flooding until noon, Wednesday, March 15, or whenever the water subsides, officials said.

Wind also downed trees and limbs and caused power outages, mostly in New Castle County. By 1 p.m. March 14, more than 30,000 customers in New Castle County were without power, Delmarva Power's outage map showed. Fewer than five power outages were reported in the Cape Region.

Rehoboth Beach spokeswoman Krys Johnson said the city has not had any reports of flooding or damage but a crew from the city’s Street Department will be on call for any weather-related emergencies.

National Weather Service forecasts show a chance of rain and snow remains through Wednesday, March 15. For more weather information, go to weather.gov.