State of emergency declared in Delaware ahead of blizzard

Gov. Matt Meyer declared a state of emergency ahead of a forecasted blizzard that could dump more than a foot of snow in Delaware.

The state of emergency mobilizes the Delaware National Guard and more state resources to prepare and respond to the storm when it hits. The state’s emergency management agency, DEMA, will be activated fully at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, and will continue to coordinate response from state, local and federal resources.

“I’m declaring a State of Emergency and activating every available state resource to ensure Delawareans are protected as this blizzard blankets our communities, including increased risks for coastal flooding,” said Governor Matt Meyer in a statement on Feb. 22. “Prepare now, please stay off the roads once the storm begins, and look out for your neighbors. We will continue working around the clock to keep every Delawarean safe.”

The storm could dump 12 to 20 inches of snow throughout the state Sunday afternoon to the morning of Monday Feb. 23. Whiteout conditions are expected and the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for all of Delaware. Winds could gust to 45 miles per hour as heavy snow falls, making travel virtually impossible.

The announcement also warns Delawareans of driving restrictions that will probably go into effect once the storm gets rolling. Level 1 restrictions urge caution, Level 2 restricts anyone from driving unless they are “essential personnel,” and Level 3 is a driving ban to anyone who isn’t an emergency worker.

The state has not indicated which restriction will go into effect yet.

The state is urging people to prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential non-perishable food and emergency needs like flashlights, first aid supplies, medicine and more while the storm’s worst is still ahead.