Blizzard warning for Sussex County
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for Sussex County.
The warning is issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to a quarter mile or less. Per the warning, conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of 3 hours.
From the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ: “A developing coastal storm is expected to bring several hazards to the region Sunday through Monday. Confidence has increased for significant, heavy snowfall accumulations from Sunday through Monday, as well as blizzard conditions along the Atlantic coast. There remains a threat for moderate to potentially major coastal flooding impacts.”
Sussex County emergency planners urge the public to expect the strong possibility of difficult travel, power outages and downed trees as a result of heavy snow and gusty winds.
“This storm’s effects look very significant, but Sussex County has already had some practice with winter weather this season, so the public should be in a preparedness and readiness frame of mind,” said Sussex County Director of Public Safety Robert W. Murray, Jr. “Preparation before an event, not at the height of it, is the key to protecting life and property.”
Travel on Sunday, Feb. 22 and throughout Monday, Feb. 23 could be very difficult to impossible at times. Those traveling for essential or emergency purposes should be prepared with basic supplies on hand, including an ice scraper, blankets, sand or cat litter, de-icer, flashlight and batteries, mobile telephone, high-calorie nonperishable food and water and a full tank of gas.
Residents and property owners should be prepared with basic household supplies, including extra food and water, first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, a battery-powered weather radio, extra prescription medicines, baby items, an emergency heat source and sufficient heating fuel.
Sussex County Emergency Management is working closely with local and state governmental agencies. Additional staff are being called in to the county’s Emergency Operations Center and paramedic stations to be on standby and respond to issues that may arise due to the event.
For a list of road closures, go to www.deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, go to www.delmarva.com and www.delaware.coop.
Updates will be posted on the Sussex County website at www.sussexcountyde.gov. Sussex County offers a variety of social media outlets at www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE and www.facebook.com/SussexCountyEmergencyManagement, and www.x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM.
The public should only call 911 in an emergency. For more information is available by calling Sussex County Emergency Management at 302-856-7360.
