The first snow of 2022 has fallen in Delaware, shuttering state offices, prompting power outages and disrupting statewide COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites 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.
Thus far, the highest amount of snow has fallen in central Delaware cities with nearly 10 inches accumulating in Woodside with both Smyrna and Harrington wavering under the 8-inch mark.
92 active power outages have been reported throughout southern areas of the state, affecting over 2,800 people according to Delmarva Power. Multiple power outages have also been reported in Milford.
“Public works employees are aware of the problems and are doing their best to get power up and running again as fast as possible,” the city’s website read. “If you want to report a power outage, please call the Milford Public Works Department at (302) 422 – 1110.”
A sharp cutoff in the amount of snow is expected northwest of the I-95 corridor near New Castle County and extending toward Philadelphia.
SNOW DAY:Delaware’s first snowstorm is coming. Here are the school closings across the state
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.”
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.
The snow will also affect the commute of President Joe Biden as he returns to Washington D.C. after spending some time in Delaware. At around 9 a.m., Air Force One was being de-iced as Biden prepared to fly.
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.
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The heaviest snowfall remains along and southeast of the I-95 corridor through the state, according to the National Weather Service.
Portions of the eastern shore of Maryland and southern portions of New Jersey have also been hit by heavy snow.
A coastal flood warning is in effect for Kent and Sussex counties until 1 p.m. and a coastal flood advisory for New Castle County is in effect until 1 p.m.
DELAWARE WINTER STORM:Here’s how much snow has fallen
Sunday’s warm temperatures in the 60s plummeted to temperatures in the 30s overnight, converting the night’s rain into this morning’s heavy snowfall. Rain moving into the state was expected to completely change to snow by sunrise.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s and 30s throughout the day and into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials advised drivers to slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions of the road, including leaving ample space between other vehicles, allowing extra time to reach destinations and giving snowplows plenty of room to work.
Across the state
In Georgetown, Jaime De La Cruz, a Bodie’s Dairy Markets clerk, said they’ve had about a fifth of their usual customers today. Kids in snow clothes were mainly coming in for snacks as the store experienced computer problems due to a power outage.
Fluffy snow continues to fall in Dover after 11 a.m. Monday during the first snowfall of the year. Despite the snow, a consistent flow of light traffic has been spotted this morning in the McDonald’s drive-thru on East Lebanon Road, with customers arming themselves with a hot breakfast as they battle against the cold.
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. But as the morning continued, a coating of snow began to stick to the roads, as well.
In Smyrna, about two inches of snow has accumulated on grassy areas, roads and sidewalks as precipitation continues to fall at a heavy pace shortly before 9 a.m.
At the Weis Market in Lewes, a handful of people ventured out to stock up on some items before the roads got even more covered in snow.
Plows were setting out on Coastal Highway near the Lowe’s just after 9:30 a.m., and Lewes resident Dee Schuler said she noticed that the roads seemed mostly slushy at this point. She stocked up on a cart full of items at Weis while waiting to see if her work would be closed.
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. A light dusting of snow stuck to grassy areas near Wilmington’s Trolley Square on Monday morning, but not the roadways or the Rodney Street Tennis Courts.
Closings and delays
- All Curative testing locations are closed.
- All state service center testing is canceled.
- All public health vaccination sites are closed.
- All public health clinics are closed.
- Due to the storm, state offices have closed their doors during regular business hours today. Offices will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Almost all of the state’s public school districts have also announced the closure of their schools and offices due to the ongoing storm.
- The Food Bank of Delaware locations in Newark and Milford have closed today.
This is an ongoing story. Follow along for more updates.
Contact the reporter at jcastaneda1@delawareonline.com or connect with him on Twitter @joseicastaneda.
