At least 400 fallen trees being removed from Sussex roads after storm

The snow is melting fast in Sussex, but the damage is done, with fallen trees blocking many roadways.

Some areas of Delaware’s southern-most county saw up to 19 inches of snow Feb. 22 and 23. The weight of the snow, combined with high winds, proved more than many trees could handle.

The Delaware Department of Transportation is responsible for trees on roadways, and the agency knew of about 400 of them in Sussex Feb. 23, spokesman C.R. McLeod said. By the next day, the number was down to 300.

If trees fall across wires or into utility poles, DelDOT can’t remove them until the lines have been deenergized, McLeod said.

“This work will continue for at least the next several days,” he said.

McLeod also stressed that DelDOT is not responsible for fallen trees on private property.

Weather: More snow in Delaware’s forecast, but a weekend thaw is coming

If you’re concerned about a fallen tree on a roadway, you can check DelDOT’s real-time map to see if the agency is aware. If the tree is not marked, you can report it by calling the Transportation Management Center at #77 or emailing DOTpublic@deldot.gov.

Reach Shannon Marvel McNaught at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.