Delaware weather update at 7:45am: Stay home

Delaware’s state of emergency remains in effect. Road crews worked through the night to get roads passable, but emergency operations officials say the best thing is to stay home.

Delaware emergency managment teams were asking residents to stay home this morning so they can continue the task of gettting the state up and running.

DelDot reports that most major roads have at least one lane open and passable.  The biggest problem is along a stretch of Route  301 in Middletown where a large number of trucks are abandoned.  The problem is so severe it is hampering National Guard operations.  There are reports of over 200 cars abandoned overnight in Sussex County.

There are over 300 National Guard troops helping residents.  The biggest problem remains getting help to those without power.  The lastest numbers show there are 5,339 without power in NcCo, 489 without power in  Sussex and 159 without power in  Kent.

Shelters remain open in New Castle County at William Penn High School, the Milford Middle School in Kent County, and Sussex Central High near Georgetown.  The Delaware helpline returned to operation at 7:30am, 1-800-464-4357.

DART is not operating today.  The R-2 SEPTA train only goes as far as Marcus Hook, Pa.   Delaware state offices as well as city of Wilmington offices are closed Thursday.

Perhaps it is a sign of wishful thinking or maybe it is a belief that things are getting better, but the Christiana Mall reports it will open at noon on Thursday.