How weekend storm is impacting the state

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

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.