Rehoboth officials issue guidance for potential winter storm, extreme cold

With the forecast of a possible snow event and dangerously cold temperatures this weekend and early next week, Rehoboth Beach officials are recommending ways for business owners, homeowners and residents to prepare and stay aware.

The city will send out a Beacon alert notifying people of dangerous conditions; subscribe by texting REHOBCH to 888777. To receive more detailed updates and reports on what's happening before, during and after the storm, subscribe to Beyond the Beach newsletter updates. Find details at tinyurl.com/y72xnpt6.

If the storm does move in, avoid parking vehicles on streets to allow city crews to clear roads more effectively. This especially pertains to Rehoboth Avenue.

If a snow emergency is declared, the city manager can restrict parking on both sides and the full length of Rehoboth Avenue, Bayard Avenue and State Road. Motorists should be prepared to move vehicles on those streets if necessary.

Clearing sidewalks is the responsibility of individual residential and commercial property owners. The city is not responsible for shoveling sidewalks. Anyone who is out of town or not residing in their home during the winter, and the home is not already winterized, should have someone local set up to shovel their sidewalks and check homes in advance to avoid freezing pipes. Local residents who are able help a neighbor out are asked to do so.

Be careful when spreading de-icer and do not oversalt sidewalks. Using too much salt can cause major damage to driveways and lawns once the snow melts, and it's hard on pets. Plans should be carried out to sweep up the salt after the snow melts.

Any city office closures and impacts to city services will also be posted to the city website, rehobothbeachde.gov, and on the City of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Facebook/Instagram sites.