Gov. Jack Markell declares a state of emergency for Delaware

Gov. Jack Markell declared a state of emergency for Delaware beginning at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10, ordering vehicles off the road. The declaration allows only emergency vehicles and essential personnel on the road, as weather is expected to produce heavy snowfall, potentially high winds, whiteout conditions and coastal flooding.

Essential personnel includes: emergency management and rescue personnel, medical personnel, utility workers, snow clearance workers, employees of critical 24-hour healthcare, commercial and correctional facilities, members of the media, carriers of heating oil, propane, gasoline, salt and staple groceries and agricultural deliveries to livestock.

Private businesses are strongly urged to consider the safety of their employees and to restrict travel during the storm. Abandoned vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense. The state of emergency is indefinite and will be terminated under the governor’s orders.