SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. - With a blizzard warning now in effect for Friday and Saturday, Delaware's Department of Transportation and Delaware Electric Co-Op are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
In addition to a blizzard warning for the county, Rehoboth Beach declared a snow emergency Thursday. It will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday and last until the snow stops or the city cancels it. Parking will be prohibited on snow routes during that time including on Rehoboth Avenue, Bayard Avenue, and State Road.
DelDOT crews will begin brining Sussex County roads Friday. After that, they will fill up their salt trucks and stand by to begin plowing when snow starts falling.
DelDot Community Relations Director, C.R. McLeod says if they don't see too much accumulation in the northern part of the state, they will send more crews and resource to Sussex County.
"This is really our second what we call "upside-down storm of the season. We usually see the heavy snowfall occurring across the northern part of the state. And as we saw in early January, and as we expecte to see with this one, it does look like the southern part of the state is going to be significantly impacted," he said.
Roads are always top-of-mind before a snow storm, but another concern is power outages and downed trees. Delaware Electric was busy earlier this month restoring power and repairing power lines during the last snow storm.
Delaware Electric Public Relations and Community Relations Manager, Lauren Irby, advises being prepared even if you're staying inside.
"Having non-perishable and easy to prepare food on hand, a gallon of water per person per day...making sure especially necessary medications are on hand and you have those ready to go...making sure your pets are taken care of and you have food for them... Of course. blankets if you need them flashlights extra batteries... Of course, charging those devices and having your emergency contacts written down," Irby said.
Irby also says to steer clear of any downed power lines and assume they're energized. If you come across a downed line or your power goes out, you can report it to Delaware Electric one of three ways.