After much anticipation, first storm of 2026 has arrived
After nearly a week of warnings, the first winter storm of 2026 dropped inches of snow on the Cape Region overnight.
The National Weather Service is calling for rain, snow and sleet before 1 p.m. The forecast then shifts to rain, possibly mixed with sleet between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., then rain after 2 p.m. Snow and sleet could be heavy at times, with high near 42 degrees. It will be breezy, with an east wind at 15 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance for precipitation is 100%. The anticipated total daytime snow and sleet accumulation could be 2 to 4 inches.
Tonight, the NWS is calling for rain before 4 p.m., then a chance of freezing rain, with a low around 27 degrees. A northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation is expected.
Delaware’s Level 1 driving advisory for Sussex County remains in effect; the public should limit travel at this time, for their safety, as well as to allow DelDOT road crews and first responders to do their work related to the storm. Cold air is keeping daytime temperatures below freezing, heightening the chance for black ice on area roadways, possibly through much of the work week.
“So far, the storm is not posing too much of an issue, but all will depend on how much mixing we get through the day and into this evening, said Sussex County Emergency Manager/Deputy Director of Public Safety Timothy R. Cooper. “Just a thin layer of ice is enough to make roads treacherous and bring down trees and power lines. This is why it’s best for the public to limit travel and heed any advisories.”
Sussex County Emergency Management continues to monitor this situation and is working closely with other local and state governmental agencies. Additional staff have been called in to the county’s Emergency Operations Center and paramedic stations to assist with any issues that may arise during and after the event. The County EOC remains on limited activation with key partners, including representatives from State agencies and major utilities, either on site or in contact.
For the latest list of road closures, go to deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, visit Delmarva Power’s website at delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s website at delaware.coop.
Stay tuned to local media, as well as the Sussex County website at sussexcountyde.gov. The public also should monitor the National Weather Service, at weather.gov/phi for the latest forecasts. Meantime, Sussex County offers a variety of social media outlets to relay the latest storm information. Follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/SussexCountyDE and facebook.com/SussexCountyEmergencyManagement, and on X at x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM.
Delawareans in need of assistance during the storm can call 211 for nonemergency issues or concerns related to shelter, food or medical care.
Sussex County reminds the public to only call 911 in an emergency. Members of the public who have questions regarding this information should contact Sussex County Emergency Management at 302-856-7360.
