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 Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 25 and 25. Wednesday. This means if your normal collection day is Monday your trash and recycling will be collected Wednesday, Feb. 25, and if your normal collection day is Tuesday your trash and recycling will be collected Thursday, Feb. 26. 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. The City of Lewes will be relaxing the requirement to clear sidewalks and walkways of snow and ice from 24 hours to 48 hours after the after the end of the snowfall/ice event. The snow from this event will be very heavy and much more difficult to move. Exercise extreme care when shoveling. The City of Lewes anticipates a delay in the opening of public restrooms throughout the city. Staff will open public spaces when conditions are safe to do so.

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.

Also in Sussex

• The Town of Georgetown has activated its snow emergency plan. Parking restrictions will apply to designated snow emergency routes, making it easier and more effective for equipment to clear snow from the streets.

Designated snow emergency routes include the following:

• Market Street (east and west)
• Bedford Street (north and south)
• Bridgeville Road
• Pine Street (east and west)
• Race Street (north and south)
• Front Street (north and south)
• East Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Race Street
• West Laurel Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street
• Edward Street – North Bedford Street to North Front Street
• West North Street – North Bedford Street to DuPont Highway (Route 113)
• Albury Avenue – East Market Street to Cedar Street

Vehicles parked along these streets may be subject to towing, at the owner’s expense, if not removed by the owner. Minimize on-street parking to allow for efficient snow removal. Residents are asked to avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions. Those who must travel are asked to use caution around snow removal equipment and personnel.

Town ordinances state that the sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall and depositing of snow into Town Streets is prohibited. Residents with a fire hydrant near their property are asked to take an extra minute or two to ensure that it is clear and visible.