Powering through the blizzard

When Delaware Electric Cooperative officials said the recent snowstorm was the worst its seen since the ice storm of 1994, it wasn’t exaggerating. More than a foot of snow blanketed much of Sussex County, transforming familiar roads into impassable corridors and quiet neighborhoods into scenes of both beauty and disruption. But amid the drifts and downed lines, something else stood out just as clearly: the resilience and dedication of our community.

First responders answered calls in treacherous conditions, navigating snowy roads when most wisely stayed home. Police officers, firefighters and EMTs put service above comfort, ensuring emergencies were met with calm professionalism. Emergency rooms were staffed with people willing to battle Mother Nature to ensure those who needed care got it.

Plow truck drivers worked marathon shifts to keep primary roads passable and many neighborhoods accessible. Long before sunrise and well after dark, they pushed back against relentless snowfall so emergency vehicles, utility crews and eventually the rest of us could move safely again.

And then there are the line workers. Tens of thousands lost power as heavy, wet snow and falling trees brought down lines across the county. For days, crews restored electricity one section at a time. They did so knowing families were waiting for heat, light and normalcy to return. We owe special thanks to the out-of-state crews who traveled to Delaware to lend a hand. Their willingness to leave their own homes to help ours speaks volumes.

Tree specialists also deserve recognition. Clearing massive fallen trees from roads and rights-of-way was dangerous, painstaking work, yet it was essential to allow utility crews to reach damaged lines.

Finally, credit belongs to the many residents who heeded the governor’s driving restrictions and hunkered down. By staying off the roads, they made conditions safer for those who had no choice but to be out in the storm.