A huge storm sweeping the Northeast has already dumped plenty of snow on Delaware with more to come throughout the morning, and for some, into the afternoon.
If you can, avoid hitting the roads this morning. Gov. John Carney issued a state of emergency Friday that went into effect at 10 p.m.
Only those deemed “essential” in Kent and Sussex counties should be driving. In New Castle County, it’s asked that drivers stay off the road “unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.”
The snow isn’t over yet either. A winter storm warning remains in effect for parts of the state until noon today, while a blizzard warning is still ongoing for Delaware’s beaches.
As you wake up and debate whether it’s worth trekking out in the snow, stick with us for updates across the state.
MORE TO READ:Winter storm warning, driving restrictions and snow: What you need to know about the storm
Winter storm warning extended to 2 p.m. in New Castle, Kent counties
12:05 p.m.
Despite what appeared to be a stop to the snow in New Castle and Kent counties, the National Weather Service extended the winter weather warning in these areas for another two hours.
Meteorologists warned that “heavy snow” was on its way to add up to another 2 inches to the day’s totals by 2 p.m. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph, making for low visibility and dangerous driving conditions.
Dover currently has the most snow in both counties, recording a total accumulation of 8.4 inches.
— Hannah Edelman
Sussex County staying inside, hunkering down as more snow falls
11:40 a.m.
Judging by the number of people at grocery stores on Friday, Sussex County was prepared to hunker down for a few days. On Saturday, the only things moving outside, other than the snow, are the birds. A few of the main roads have been plowed but quickly became snow-covered again.
— Shannon Marvel McNaught
As snow, wind continues, Department of Transportation struggles to keep up
11 a.m.
The Delaware Department of Transportation is having trouble clearing the roads as the storm continues to pile on snow statewide. Conditions are worst in Kent and Sussex counties, with high winds and falling snow.
Level two driving restrictions remain in effect in the area, prohibiting non-emergency personnel from using the roads. The restrictions have led to business closures, including Beebe Healthcare, which cancelled all outpatient services for Saturday.
As of 11 a.m., snowfall has surpassed 9 inches in Dagsboro and Stockley.
— Hannah Edelman
Smyrna shovels, scrapes as snow continues to fall
10:25 a.m.
At 10:25 a.m., snow is still falling in Smyrna, with an accumulation of about 5 inches so far, with drifting because of wind gusts. Main roads and many secondary roads have been plowed but they are quickly being covered by falling snow and wind-blown snow.
— Ben Mace
Lewes still digging out of snow
10:10 a.m.
Many roads are still covered in snow like Plantation Road in the area of Shady Road near the Lowe’s in Lewes. The snow is powdery and still blowing around significantly in the Lewes area. Even when plows clear out some of the snow, more is blowing on the roads and parking lots, and a layer of ice and slush seems to have formed underneath.
— Emily Lytle
Looking ahead: cold temperatures, wind, more snow
9:40 a.m.
Delaware is in for a cold, blustery day, according to the National Weather Service’s latest update.
Statewide, wind gusts could reach 40 mph, and temperatures are expected to drop below zero overnight. New Castle and Kent counties may see 1-3 inches of new snow accumulation, and Sussex County could see 2-4 inches.
— Hannah Edelman
Blowing snow, frothy waves in Bethany Beach
9:05 a.m.
As the Delaware beaches hunker down under a blizzard advisory until 4 p.m. today, snow-covered beaches and frothy waves are hitting the coast.
A live camera shot from Bethany Beach’s oceanfront shows snow-covered dunes and lots of white caps hitting the shore – a striking difference from what so many have come to know and love about the Delaware beaches.
Bethany Beach continues to have one of the highest snowfall totals in the state at 8.4 inches, but bands of snow hitting the beach communities could increase that dramatically – and fast.
Another live camera pointing toward the boardwalk is completely obscured by the snow, but a third camera pointed south in Bethany showed more white conditions and waves as the nor’easter keeps battering the region.
— Brittany Horn
More snow in New Castle County, at least 2 inches statewide
8:45 a.m.
New Castle County has accumulated another half inch of snow in the last hour. It brings Wilmington’s snow total up to 2.3 inches and Newark’s up to 2.4 inches.
Blackbird still leads the county with 4 inches as of 8:40, followed by 3.1 inches in Port Penn and 3 inches in Claymont.
Snow accumulation in Kent and Sussex counties has not changed since earlier reporting this morning. All of Delaware has now seen at least 2 inches of snow since the storm began last night.
— Hannah Edelman
Lewes buried in snow, trapping cars
8:00 a.m.
Freezing wind and snow were blowing around 8 a.m. in the Lewes area as people began to clear sidewalks and walkways from the winter storm. Drifts piled up around cars as the wind pushed the snow so it was more than a foot deep in some areas.
Snow plows in Dewey Beach worked to clear the streets until 3 a.m. and then started again at 6 a.m. Saturday morning, according to town manager Bill Zolper. As of 8:15 a.m., the Lewes area recorded 4.4 inches of snow.
— Emily Lytle
Wilmington, Newark finishing last in statewide snowfall
7:30 a.m.
While New Castle County’s overnight snow total of paled in comparison to southern Delaware’s, high wind gusts blowing snow off the ground are making it tough for the county’s residents to dig themselves out.
Both Wilmington and Newark recorded less than 2 inches of snow as of 7:30 a.m. Blackbird saw the most snow in the county with 3.7 inches, followed by Port Penn’s 3.1 inches.
With strong winds whipping snow up into the air, driving conditions are still hazardous. Delawareans should stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
— Hannah Edelman
Bethany, Stockley, Dagsboro recording highest snow totals
6:50 a.m.
Communities in Delaware are waking to inches of snow outside their doors, though the amounts vary depending on where you find yourself in the state.
Before the sun came up, Stockley was tallying the highest inch count at about 8.8 inches.
Close behind was Dagsboro and Ellendale Dover with 8.7 inches and 8.5 inches respectively. Dover was also reporting 8.4 inches and Bethany Beach came in with 8 inches.
DELAWARE SNOW TOTALS:Here are the latest inch counts
Delaware’s beaches are still expected to get hit the hardest, as a blizzard warning remains in effect along the coast until 4 p.m. Saturday. High snow totals are expected in these areas, as well as gusty winds and hazardous conditions.
Level 2 driving restrictions
Keep an eye out for plows on the roadways, though Delaware officials are asking that those without an essential or emergent reason to travel, please avoid driving.
— Brittany Horn
Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.
