Delaware sees first snow of 2022. Here’s what that means for you

The first snow of 2022 has fallen in Delaware, disrupting the morning commute and prompting multiple school closures as southern areas of the state face the brunt of the storm. 

Portions of Sussex and Kent counties will endure the highest amount of snow today with about 8-12 inches forecast as the day continues, according to Sarah Johnson, National Weather Service meteorologist. 

A sharp cutoff in the amount of snow is expected northwest of the I-95 corridor near New Castle County and extending toward Philadelphia.

The cutoff may separate the northern and southern portions of New Castle County, resulting in a predicted 6-9 inches of snow for southern areas and 3-6 inches predicted for northern areas. 

Uncertainty still remains as to where exactly the cutoff will be. 

“We’re pretty much expecting snow, heavy at times, through the day and into the afternoon,” Johnson said. “It should be tapering off as we get into late afternoon and into the early evening.”

In Wilmington, a thin layer of snow has just begun to develop over lawns and cars as an ongoing sprinkling of flakes continues in Monday’s early hours. In Bear, a light layer of snow covered the ground but not roadways about 7 a.m. Monday, with precipitation continuing to fall as the skies lightened.

The snow will result in hazardous conditions that will likely affect the morning commute throughout the state and, possibly, carry over to the afternoon commute as well, according to Johnson.

Another round of winter weather is also possible Thursday night into Friday.

Winds are projected to reach up to 35 mph, possibly limiting visibility on the roads and causing damage to trees and powerlines, according to the Delaware Department of Transportation. 

“Motorists should expect difficult travel conditions throughout the morning as roads could become snow-covered during the heaviest period of snowfall,” the department’s website reads. 

The entire state is under a winter storm warning until 4 p.m., resulting in “treacherous” driving conditions as the day continues.

The heaviest snowfall remains along and southeast of the I-95 corridor through the state, according to the National Weather Service.

DELMARVA STORM:Snow: Salisbury and north expected to take wallop. Winter storm warning in effect