Delaware Blizzard: ‘most challenging in recent memory’ [photos]

Governor Jack Markell, D-Delaware, is asking state residents to stay home for one more day in the hope the additional time will make Monday travel easier.

The governor called this weekend’s blizzard, “the most challenging winter storm in recent memory.” The Level 2 driving alert was downgraded to Level 1 at 10 a.m. That means that people should only drive out of necessity.

Sussex County remains the hardest hit with major flooding in every beach community from Lewes to Fenwick.

Major roads have been plowed. Markell says 500 DelDOT employees have worked rotating shifts since 7 a.m. Friday morning. He adds they will begin to plow secondary roads during the day on Sunday.

The city of Wilmington is keeping its Level 2 driving restrictions in place until 10pm Sunday and that all city government offices will be closed Monday. Mayor Dennis Williams, D-Wilmington, reports city plow trucks are clearing all of the primary streets in the city. Those include streets in the downtown area through Trolley Square. He says 17 neighborhood routes will be added to streets clearing list through the rest of the day.

New Castle County government will be closed on Monday because of the storm cleanup still left to do. 

In Newark, the city has lifted its state of emergency and expects city offices to be open Monday at 10am.

DART service, including para-transit service, has been suspended for a second day.

The highest snow totals were in Port Penn at 12.2 inches and 11.7 in Greenville and Hockessin. Over 11 inches were also reported in Harrington and Dover. The lowest was 2 inches reported at the weather gauge in Lewes. That doesn’t take in account drifting snow. Some areas near the canal reported drifts over 3 feet.

The Christiana Mall announced it will open for 5 hours beginning at 1pm Sunday. The University of Delaware’s athletic and theater events are cancelled Sunday. The University expects to resume classes Monday.

Delaware State University classes are cancelled Monday. University official say they don’t have the campus adaquately cleaned up.  School districts around the state are cancelling school on Monday. The Colonial, Red Clay, Christina and Brandywine School Districts in New Castle County have already made the decision to cancel school for Monday. Other school closings can be found on the state school closing website.

And just to prove that this storm didn’t play favorites, NewsWorks contributor John Jankowski found Senator Tom Carper, D-Delaware, shoveling his driveway just like the rest of us.

While the most challenging part of the storm was dealing with abandoned cars, New Castle County police report they arrested a 33 year old Wilmington man on a DUI and domestic abuse charge. Police report arresting the man at his home was made difficult because of the deep snow cover on the 2200 block of Marsh Road.