Gov. Carney activates National Guard ahead of pending snowstorm
Gov. John Carney activated the Delaware National Guard Jan. 5, to support storm response operations. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency also activated its Emergency Operations Center in Smyrna, and is coordinating with state, county, and local partners to meet ongoing needs for the duration of the event.
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch with 5 to 10 inches or more of snow expected. Heavier snow could begin Monday around 6 a.m., with snowfall rates of one inch an hour possible. Cold temperatures and gusty winds will make travel difficult, officials said, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
Driving restrictions are not issued at this time; however, based on weather and roadway conditions, state officials said they could issue driving restrictions, such as a Level 1 Driving Warning, which cautions motorists on adverse weather conditions and urges them to stay off the road if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are asked to use caution and common sense.
More stringent driving restrictions – such as a Level 2 Restriction or a Level 3 Driving Ban – would only be issued under a declared State of Emergency and are authorized under Delaware Code.
Officials said Delaware Department of Transportation began brining roads Dec. 5, and crews will begin plowing operations starting around 2 a.m., Dec. 6, continuing throughout the storm. The focus will be keeping Route 1, I-95, and routes 13 and 113 open and passable. Secondary roads and streets in subdivisions could be slippery and snow-covered; state officials urge everyone to exercise caution when driving.
“DelDOT crews will be working throughout the storm to clear and treat roads across the state; however, cold temperatures and continued snowfall could cause roads and bridges to be hazardous as the day progresses,” said DelDOT Acting Secretary Shanté Hastings in a press release. “Please slow down and adapt driving to the conditions if you must be out.”
DelDOT’s Traffic Management Center broadcasts 24 hours a day on 1380 AM and is livestreamed on deldot.gov.
Winter driving and safety tips
• Make sure your windshield is completely clear of snow and ice, and also clear snow off the top of the vehicle and the bed of a pickup truck.
• Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
• Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you're too close, there will not be enough time to react if that driver loses control of their vehicle.
• Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than using high beams.
• Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see.
• Pay special attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don't have the right of way. Even though you are taking precautions, you need reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or stop light.
• Wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in a wreck, your seatbelt will help you control the vehicle and improve your chances of escaping serious injury or death by nearly 50%.
Officials say if your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic, and don’t hit the brakes hard. For a car with anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brakes, shift the car or truck into neutral and steer in the direction you want your car to go until the skid is over. If you don’t have ABS, apply pressure to the brakes just short of locking them up, release the pressure and reapply at a lower level.
For more information, go to PrepareDE.org.
