Major winter storm slams Sussex
A powerful winter storm is making its mark as the season’s most significant weather event, prompting the opening of an emergency shelter, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers and resulting in a temporary driving ban.
A blizzard warning remains in effect for all of Sussex County through 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, as forecasters predict the strengthening coastal storm could dump 12 to 18 inches of snow across southern Delaware. The storm began as rain Sunday morning before changing to snow sooner than forecasters expected. More than 4 inches has already fallen in many areas.
Forecasters say the storm could bring winds of 45 to 60 mph, along with moderate coastal flooding in low-lying areas along the Atlantic beaches and back bays.
Heavy bands of snow, possibly falling at rates of up to 2 inches per hour, are expected overnight into Monday. Strong winds circulating around the storm are likely to cause blowing and drifting snow that could create near-whiteout conditions.
As many as 23,000 customers served by Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Cooperative in Sussex County are currently without service, as winds and heavy snow bring down trees, utility poles and power lines.
Sussex County Emergency Management, in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross – Delmarva Chapter, has opened a shelter at Sussex Central Middle School (the former Sussex Central High School), 26026 Patriots Way in Georgetown. The shelter is scheduled to open by 1 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.
“This storm is delivering as promised, and that’s going to present us with significant challenges for the next 12 to 18 hours, at least,” said Sussex County Director of Public Safety Robert W. Murray Jr. “Now is not the time to go out sightseeing or joy riding, so we urge the public to stay inside, stay off the roads and stay tuned to the media for updates.”
Matt Meyer has issued a Level 3 driving ban for Sussex County, limiting travel to first responders, essential personnel and utility and public works crews.
Sussex County Emergency Management is coordinating with local and state agencies as well as utility partners. Additional personnel are staffing the county’s Emergency Operations Center and paramedic stations.
For a list of road closures, visit the Delaware Department of Transportation website at deldot.gov. Power outage maps are available on the Delmarva Power website at delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative website at delaware.coop.
Residents are urged to monitor local media and the National Weather Service at weather.gov/phi for the latest forecasts.
Members of the public should call 911 only in an emergency. Those with questions or who need assistance relocating to the shelter may contact the Sussex County Emergency Management storm line at 302-856-7360.
