Coastal towns prepare for winter storm

In advance of an approaching winter storm, Gov. Matthew Meyer has declared a State of Emergency.

In the Cape Region, officials in Lewes, Milton and Rehoboth Beach have issued advisories outlining parking restrictions, service changes and safety precautions.

Lewes

Officials said they are closely monitoring the storm and will provide updates on the city website and social media.

Waste and recycling collection scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, will move to Tuesday, Feb. 24. Tuesday collection will move to Wednesday, Feb. 25. Residents are asked not to place waste or recycling bins in roadways or on sidewalks during the storm.

Snow emergency routes will take effect at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22. Parking is prohibited on streets designated as snow emergency routes, and residents who live along those streets must move their vehicles before 6 p.m. to allow crews to clear roadways.

Snow emergency routes include:

• Cedar Avenue
• Dewey Avenue
• Kings Highway (from city limits to Savannah Road)
• Ocean View Boulevard (West Fourth Street to Canary Drive)
• Savannah Road (from city limits to Cape Henlopen Drive)
• Second Street
• West Fourth Street (from New Road to Savannah Road)

For non-emergency safety concerns, residents may call the Lewes Police Department at 302-645-6264; emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.

Officials also warned that severe weather may cause utility interruptions. Residents experiencing power outages should contact the Lewes Board of Public Works at 302-645-6228 and avoid travel if possible, especially near downed power lines, tree limbs or flood-prone areas.

City crews will work to maintain safe conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Property owners must clear sidewalks and walkways within 24 hours after the storm ends. Public restroom openings may be delayed while staff evaluate conditions.

Milton

In Milton an emergency route declaration will take effect at 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, and remain in effect until snow removal operations are complete.

Designated snow emergency routes include Atlantic Street, Federal Street, Union Street, Mulberry Street, Front Street, Route 16, both sides of Atlantic Avenue, both sides of Bay Avenue, both sides of Behringer Avenue, both sides of Chandler Street, both sides of Chestnut Street, both sides of Lavinia Street, both sides of Magnolia Street, both sides of Willow Street, the north side of Broad Street and the north side of Mill Street.

During the declaration:

• Parking is prohibited on all designated emergency routes.

• Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

• Residents should use driveways or other off-street parking areas.

• Drivers must yield to snow-removal equipment and emergency vehicles.

• Obstructing plowing operations is prohibited.

• Residents are asked to keep fire hydrants visible and accessible.

Rehoboth Beach

Officials in Rehoboth Beach have declared snow emergency routes beginning at 9 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22.

Parking is prohibited on both sides of Rehoboth Avenue, Bayard Avenue and State Road. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Residents are encouraged to use driveways or alternative off-street parking areas. Drivers must yield to snow-removal equipment and emergency vehicles, and residents are asked to keep fire hydrants visible and accessible.

For nonemergencies, call 302-227-2577; emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.

Updates will be posted on municipal websites and social media pages as conditions change.