Delaware bracing for nor’easter

A major winter storm is expected to hit the region beginning this evening and preparations in Delaware are underway.

According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, all primary and secondary roads in Kent and Sussex counties have been pretreated with brine, a salt water solution. The southern half of the state is under a winter storm warning beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday with accumulation predictions of up to an inch of snow in Sussex County and four to six inches of snow in Kent County.

In New Castle County, road crews have pretreated Route 1 as well as I-95 and I-295. A winter storm warning will go into effect beginning at 10 p.m. Wednesday with six to 10 inches of snowfall predicted.

Since the region has had plenty of warning of the nor’easter’s approach, Delaware State Police are urging motorists to take that lead time to do any vehicle maintenance such as filling your tank with gas and checking windshield wiper fluid and battery life to ensure your vehicle is in top working condition.

It’s also a good time to fill prescriptions and stock up on water, flashlights, batteries and non-perishable items in case the power goes out.

While motorists are urged to stay off the roads during harsh weather conditions, if you do have to drive, DSP advises keeping a blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight in your vehicle in case you become stranded.

The Brandywine, Colonial, Christina and Red Clay Consolidated School Districts have called off classes, closing schools preemptively. Businesses and agencies across the state are monitoring the storm and will announce closures as the weather worsens. 

Reycling pick-up in Newark has been postponed a day, so if your normal day to put out recycling is Thursday, it will be Friday this week and if it’s Friday, pick-up will be on Saturday. The city of Wilmington has canceled trash collection east and west of I-95 this week, as a result of the impending snowfall. 

Legislative Hall’s Joint Finance Committee in Dover has already canceled its budget hearings tomorrow. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware also announced it will be closed tomorrow. 

When it comes to snow removal, public works departments are reminding businesses and homeowners that snow can not be pushed into the roads, it must be banked somewhere on your lot.

Additionally, if you see any dangers on Delaware roads such as potholes, fallen branches, or fallen power lines, you should contact the Delaware Department of Transportation.