DEMA issues latest storm status

A winter storm warning, issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect statewide until noon today, March 17.

State of Delaware offices in Kent and Sussex counties are closed during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent or Sussex are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled. State of Delaware offices in New Castle County opened at 10 a.m.  State courts in Delaware will follow the same schedules as other state offices. 24-hour Justice of the Peace Courts will still operate.

Offices in Kent and Sussex are also closed today for non-essential employees. Essential employees should report as scheduled. County offices in New Castle County will open at their normal time, and a liberal leave policy is in place.

Heavy snow fell across the state overnight. New Castle County received between one and three inches of now, with lesser amounts in the northern portion. Kent County received between two and five inches of snow, with three to seven inches falling across Sussex County. The heaviest snowfall occurred in the southern portion of the state. Forecasters expect as much as an additional two to three inches of snow before it tapers off later this morning.

Road and weather conditions will have varying impacts on the morning rush hour. Motorists should allow extra time for their morning commute, reduce speeds, and use extreme caution while driving. DelDOT is plowing and salting roadways main roads across the state.

In Kent County, roads are covered with between a quarter of an inch to two inches of snow, with the higher amounts in the southern portion of the county. Crews are plowing, salting and sanding primary and secondary roads, bridges, bus routes, and toll plazas. Primary and secondary roads in Sussex County are icy and covered with four to five inches of snow. Those roads, along with bridges, are being plowed and salted.

DART Fixed route transit is operating on normal schedules. Paratransit service in Sussex County is suspended at present, but is running normally in Kent and New Csstle counties.

All public schools in Kent and Sussex counties are closed today. Check college and university websites for their status.