Delaware
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Two weed festivals expect to attract a couple thousand people at each of their puffed-up events in celebration of the 420 holiday in Delaware.
The two events are Spring Fling at Fire Base Lloyd in Townsend and the 420 Pregamin BlowChella at Hudson Fields in Milton. Both events are from April 19-20.
These 420 festivals are both for ages 21 or older, and guests are encouraged to bring their own weed. Both events will feature live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
Here’s a half-baked preview of some of the highlights from both cannabis fests.
What is 420 Spring Fling in Delaware?
The Delfire Group (hosts of the annual Weedstock festival in September), in collaboration with Delaware NORML, is celebrating 420 with Spring Fling, a party that will last 30 hours.
The event will include over a dozen musical acts like The Wag, Big Boy Brass and Gretchen Emery Band. In addition to vendors and food, there will also be workshops, arts and crafts.
Cynthia Ferguson, event manager for Delfire Group, said Weedstock and Spring Fling have been held at Fire Base Lloyd for several years and the vibes have been chill. Guests should expect the same this year.
“You’ll never get hassled here. People are very friendly. They’re very helpful,” Ferguson said.
What is 420 Blowchella in Delaware?
420 Pregamin BlowChella invites the cannabis community to hang out for a weekend of weed, munchies, canines, vendors, art exhibits and dancing, from April 19-20. While it technically starts at 10 a.m., the celebration will really get underway at 4:20 p.m. on April 19.
Guests will also compete in games from the Weed Olympics and Stoner Obstacle Course. But hours before the weed games, there will be a friendly meetup with bulldogs-themed Bullchella.
BlowChella is a collaboration with ChooseJoy (a Dover-based nonprofit that offers financial support to fire victims who lost their homes), cannabis advocate Phil Hardin of Delaware Loves Cannabis, and Taishawn Frisby (a community leader in Sussex County). Proceeds will benefit ChooseJoy.
What’s the Delaware Weed Olympics and Stoner Obstacle Course?
BlowChella is giving guests a chance to prove marijuana smokers aren’t lazy people through its Weed Olympics and Stoner Obstacle Course at 10 p.m. on April 19.
“Who don’t remember being a teenager and being like, ‘I roll a better joint than you. My blunts look better,’” Dawn said. “Well, now we can actually figure out who really does roll a better joint blindfolded.”
According to the BlowChella website, these games include events like:
- The Blunt Roll & Dash: Roll a (fake) blunt while speed-walking a short track. You have to start over if you drop it.
- Slo-Mo Smoker Sprint: The runner who runs with the slowest time wins.
- Deep Diving: Take a massive bong rip and see who can hold it in the longest.
- Munchie Mow Down: Race against the clock to see who can devour the most hot wings in one minute.
What is Bullchella in Delaware?
BlowChella actually begins with a bulldog meet-and-greet event called “Bullchella” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 19. There will be a designated area where humans can smoke weed during Bullchella, said Theresa Dawn, founder of ChooseJoy.
Fans of bulldogs will have a chance to meet other bullies at Bullchella. Since this event is bulldog themed, guests are only allowed to bring bulldog breeds of any kind, Dawn said. She added that guests must bring dogs that are trained, leashed, and not on their estrus cycle.
Prizes and ribbons will be awarded to bullies in various categories.
What is 420?
April 20, or 4/20, marks the annual holiday to unofficially celebrate all things marijuana.
Marijuana is illegal under federal law in the U.S. But as some states, including Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, legalize or decriminalize it, Americans overwhelmingly favor the legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
Events like BlowChella and Spring Fling give Delawareans an opportunity to smoke the legal limit of weed in a festival setting.
“We are asking our guests to follow the rules,” Dawn said about BlowChella. “Bring your own bud, don’t bring more than you’re legally allowed to have on you. Follow the rules and let’s have fun.”
How much are tickets for Spring Fling 2025 and 420 BlowChella?
420 Pregamin BlowChella: Hudson Fields (30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton) starts at 10 a.m. April 19-20. Tickets for General Admission Weekend Pass and Camping are $40 early or $50 at the gate. General Day Pass is $25 early or $30 at the door. For more info, visit 420pregamin.com.
Spring Fling 2025: Fire Base Lloyd (474 Fleming Landing Road, Townsend) at noon April 19. Tickets for general admission are $40. For more info, visit weedstock.org.
USA TODAY reporter Anna Kaufman contributed to this report.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
Delaware
Delayed openings in Delaware: What schools are starting late?
Safety tips to help you drive in the snow and ice
Winter driving can be hazardous, here are a few tips to help you survive the winter driving season.
Potentially icy road conditions have led every public school in Delaware to announce delayed openings for Dec. 15.
Every public school is operating on some sort of delay, most of which are two hours. The Delaware Department of Transportation already sent out a warning about treacherous driving conditions. Whatever has not dried from the Dec. 14 snowstorm will freeze over as temperatures plunge into the 20s and winds kick up over night.
The following school districts have announced delays.
New Castle County
- Red Clay- 2 hours
- Christina- 2 hours
- Brandywine- 2 hours
- Colonial- 2 hours
- Appoquinimink- 2 hours
- New Castle County Vo-Tech- 2 hours
Kent County
- Smyrna- 2 hours
- Capital- 1 hour
- Lake Forest- 2 hours
- Polytech- 2 hours
Sussex County
- Milford- 2 hours
- Woodbridge- 2 hours
- Cape Henlopen- 2 hours
- Laurel- 2 hours
- Seaford- 2 hours
- Delmar- 90 minutes
- Indian River- 2 hours
- Sussex Tech- 2 hours
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)
Delaware
How much snow fell on Sunday? Totals for Philadelphia area
PHILADELPHIA – Snow stacked up quickly across the Philadelphia region Sunday, with new reports showing nearly 9 inches in some suburbs and several inches on the ground in much of the city.
December Snow in Willow Grove, PA (Photo: Tyler Thrasher/FOX)
The latest Public Information Statement from the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, issued at 10:36 a.m. Sunday, shows significantly higher snowfall totals than the early-morning reports. Many communities that were sitting at 1 to 3 inches before sunrise are now in the 5 to 8 inch range, especially north and west of Philadelphia.
5,500+ PECO homes, businesses without power Sunday as winter storm impacts region
In the city, an observation from Center City lists 3.6 inches of snow, while neighborhoods in the Northeast like Fox Chase, Bustleton and Somerton are reporting between 4 and 5 inches. An official reading at Philadelphia International Airport shows 1.3 inches, underscoring the sharp gradient from the airport to the rest of the city.
The heaviest bands have focused on parts of Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Carbon and Northampton counties, where multiple towns are now reporting 7 to 8 inches. South Jersey and northern Delaware have also seen a solid plowable snow, with widespread 4 to 7 inch totals in some communities.
These totals are based on reports collected through about 10:30 a.m. Sunday and may continue to rise where snow is still falling.
Snow totals in the Philadelphia area
Philadelphia
- Fox Chase: 5.0″
- Bustleton: 4.9″
- Rockledge (city border): 4.9″
- Somerton (1 SW): 4.3″
- Center City/Philadelphia (observer): 3.6″
- Philadelphia International Airport: 1.3″
December Snow in Willow Grove, PA (Photo: Tyler Thrasher/FOX)
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Chester County
- East Nantmeal Twp: 8.8″
- East Nottingham Twp: 8.5″
- Malvern: 8.0″
- Berwyn: 8.0″
- Exton area: 7.9″
- Atglen / West Sadsbury Twp: 7.8″
- West Caln Twp: 7.5″
- West Chester (2.4 SSE): 6.5″
Montgomery County
- Blue Bell (2.3 NW): 8.7″
- Near Worcester Twp: 8.5″
- Skippack area: 8.0″
- Harleysville / Salford Twp: 7.5″
- Pennsburg area: 7.0″
- New Hanover Twp: 7.0″
- Pottstown area (including Stowe and NE Pottstown): 6.6″–7.3″
- Norristown: 7.2″
- Willow Grove / Jenkintown corridor: 6.0″–6.4″
Bucks County
- Doylestown (3.4 SW): 8.0″
- Hilltown Twp: 7.8″
- Tinicum Twp area: 7.5″
- Perkasie / Souderton / Trumbauersville: around 7.0″
- Fricks: 7.0″
- Newtown / Langhorne area: around 6.0″
- Levittown: 5.0″
- Croydon: 5.2″
Delaware County
- Bethel Twp: 6.5″
- Springfield: 6.0″
- Upper Chichester: 5.5″
- Aston: 4.8″
- Morton: 4.9″
- Lansdowne: 4.0″
Berks, Lehigh, Carbon and Northampton counties
- East Nantmeal / Alburtis / Earl Twp / Lake Harmony / Lehigh Twp (Carbon): around 7.0″–8.0″
- Coopersburg (Lehigh): 8.0″
- Center Valley: 7.0″
- Macungie (1 NW): 6.5″
- Allentown: 5.6″
- Bethlehem area: around 6.0″
- Pen Argyl: 7.0″
New Jersey
Burlington County
- Moorestown: 7.0″
- Mount Laurel / Burlington: 5.8″
- Medford Lakes: 4.8″
- Mount Holly (NWS office): 3.6″
Camden and Gloucester counties
- Haddon Township: 5.7″
- Pennsauken: 5.7″
- Pitman: 5.6″
- Washington Twp (Gloucester): 5.5″
- Monroe Twp (Gloucester): around 4.0″
- Winslow Twp: 3.1″
Atlantic, Salem and Cumberland counties
- Hammonton: 4.0″
- Woodstown: 4.5″
- Salem: 3.8″
- Pennsville: 3.5″
- Ventnor City: 2.5″
- Atlantic City International Airport: 0.6″
Delaware
New Castle County
- Bear: 6.8″
- Hockessin: 6.0″
- Wilmington (north): 5.4″
- Newark area: 3.9″–4.6″
- Middletown area: 3.8″
- New Castle County Airport: 3.3″
Kent County
- Smyrna / Clayton / Cheswold area: around 2.0″
- Magnolia area: 1.4″
Winter Light Spectacular at Lehigh Valley Zoo canceled Sunday due to snow, cold temperatures
By the numbers:
- Highest total so far: 8.8″ in East Nantmeal Township (Chester County)
- Other standout totals: 8.7″ in Blue Bell (Montgomery County), 8.5″ in East Nottingham Township (Chester County), 8.0″ in Doylestown area, Coopersburg and parts of Carbon County
- City of Philadelphia: generally 3″–5″ away from the airport, with around 3.6″ in Center City and up to 5.0″ in Fox Chase
- Many suburbs: now in the 5″–8″ range, especially north and west of the city
What’s next:
Snow continues to impact travel across the region Sunday, with many neighborhood and secondary roads still snow-covered or slushy. Drivers should plan for reduced visibility, slick spots, and extended travel times, especially in areas that picked up more than 5 inches of snow.
The Source: This article is based on observed snowfall totals from the National Weather Service Mount Holly Public Information Statement.
Delaware
How much snow will we get? Delaware under winter weather advisory
How to safely shovel snow
The Mayo Clinic has some tips for safely shoveling snow.
Gas the snowblowers and get those shovels out because snowfall is headed for Delaware.
Snow is forecast for this weekend with bitterly cold conditions then settling in through early next week.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, placed all of Delaware under a winter weather advisory and the Delaware Bay under a gale warning.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia and areas surrounding the city are under a winter storm warning.
Here’s a look at what to expect with the Delaware weather forecast for Saturday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 14.
Delaware weather radar
When will it snow?
A period of snow is expected the night of Dec. 13 through mid-morning Dec. 14, according to the National Weather Service.
This may start as some light rain or a rain/snow mix south and east of I-95 before quickly changing to all snow. Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early in the morning on Dec. 14.
About 1 to 5 inches of snow across the region is possible. While the location of where a zone of higher amounts can occur is less certain, the greatest chances for this is mostly across the I-95 corridor, the weather service said.
The snow will begin falling around 11 p.m. in Wilmington while snowfall will begin in the central portion of New Castle County by midnight and the southern part of the county by 1 a.m., according to the NWS.
The northern part of Kent County can expect snow to start falling around 2 a.m. and areas around Dover by 3 a.m.
Snow will begin in the southern part of Kent County and northern portion of Sussex County around 4 a.m.
Most of Sussex County can expect snow at 5 a.m. while the southern part of the county will see snowfall by 6 a.m. Areas around Rehoboth Beach can expect snow by 7 a.m.
How much will it snow?
That will depend where you are in Delaware.
A total of 1 to 5 inches of snow across the whole area. There could be a zone of 5-plus inches near I-95 into southern New Jersey and northern Delmarva, where snowfall rates near 1 inch per hour are also possible, according to the NWS.
Snowfall intensity may increase for a time early Sunday morning, forecasters said.
Most parts of New Castle County can expect up to 4 to 6 inches, while Kent County could see up to 1 to 2 inches in some areas. Sussex County should expect at least an inch, the NWS said.
Delaware snow forecast
Here’s an AccuWeather town-by-town snow forecast for this weekend in Delaware:
New Castle County
- Middletown: 3 to 6 inches
- New Castle: 4 to 6 inches
- Newark: 4 to 6 inches
- Pike Creek: 4 to 6 inches
- Wilmington: 3 to 6 inches
Kent County
- Dover: 2 to 4 inches
- Felton: 2 to 4 inches
- Harrington: 2 to 4 inches
- Milford (In Kent and Sussex counties): 2 to 4 inches
Sussex County
- Georgetown: 1 to 3 inches
- Millsboro: 1 to 3 inches
- Rehoboth Beach: 1 to 3 inches
- Seaford: 1 to 3 inches
Snow impacts
Here are some of the likely impacts of the weekend weather, according to the NWS:
- Snow-covered roads and slippery conditions possible the night of Dec. 13 and the morning of Dec. 14.
- Rain to snow could reduce the snow totals some. In addition, any pre-treating of surfaces would get initially washed away on the night of Dec. 13.
- Hypothermia or frostbite could occur with prolonged exposure and lack of proper clothing. Some impacts to infrastructure are possible the night of Dec. 14 through Dec. 16.
Windchills reach single digits, gale warning
When you’re outside shoveling, make sure to bundle up because it’s going to be bitterly cold Dec. 14 into Dec. 16.
Bitterly cold conditions will arrive Dec. 14 and continuing through early next week with the coldest time frame the night of Dec. 14 through the night of Dec. 15. Air temperatures on Dec. 16 stay below freezing across the region.
By Sunday night, the windchill will make it feel like 6 degrees in Wilmington, 4 degrees in Dover, and 5 degrees in Rehoboth Beach.
Many areas will not get above freezing from Sunday through Tuesday until a warming trend begins Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Peak gusts of 25 to 40 mph will be present Sunday into Sunday night which will result in very low windchill values.
Areas of blowing snow are possible, which may result in roads becoming snow-covered again and reduced visibility at times, according to the NWS.
Wind gusts between 35 to 40 knots are probable on the Delaware Bay and the New Jersey and Delaware Atlantic coastal waters along with hazardous seas. Areas of freezing spray are possible the night of Dec. 14 and Dec. 15.
How do I stay safe in the snow?
It is strongly recommended that you stay at home when it snows.
But if you absolutely need to drive, make sure you bear in mind the following safety tips:
- Drive slowly. Snow and ice can decrease traction on the road, so be sure to reduce your speed.
- Avoid using cruise control.
- Increase following distances from the usual two seconds to roughly five to six seconds, as it’ll take longer for you to come to a stop on snowy roadways.
- Make sure you have at least a half a tank of gas in your car.
- Make sure you have an emergency driving kit in your vehicle. Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.
If there’s a chance you’ll have to shovel your driveway or walkway this weekend, make sure you pay attention to the latest weather forecast, wear appropriate clothing and boots, and drink lots of water.
Make sure you also pace yourself as you’re shoveling. Check if you feel any pain or soreness and have your phone close by in case of an emergency.
What should I do to keep warm?
With winter fast approaching, residents are recommended to take the necessary steps to stay safe as the weather turns cold.
This includes making sure your homes “can be safely heated” and you always have crucial items on hand in case of an emergency, including nonperishable and pet foods, water and medicine.
Delawareans are also encouraged to have a driving kit in their car this winter.
Items should include blankets or sleeping bags, extra warm clothing, first-aid supplies, drinking water and shelf-stable food items like protein or energy bars and trail mix.
Olivia Montes contributed to this story.
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