State of Delaware Department of Department of Safety & Homeland Security

11/27/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Winter Weather Awareness Week: December 2 to 6


SMYRNA, Del. - The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, and county emergency agencies are teaming up to observe Winter Weather Awareness Week from December 2 to 6 to share important information to help residents and visitors stay safe. Preparing now can greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe winter weather. DEMA also recommends that everyone make a plan, build a home or car emergency kit, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Visit PrepareDE.org for more resources.

Winter can bring very cold temperatures, ice, snow, and high winds-causing utility outages along with dangerous and deadly travel conditions. Over the past 10 years, the National Weather Service estimates winter storms and extreme cold are responsible for an average of 68 deaths per year in the United States. It's never too early to be prepared: areas of Colorado were recently hit with their largest November snowstorm in decades, resulting in blizzard-like conditions and more than four feet of snow.

"Delaware is no stranger to a wide variety of winter weather hazards, ranging from freezing rain to blowing snow to tidal flooding," said Sarah Johnson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mt. Holly. "By taking time now to prepare for winter weather, Delawareans can mitigate the impacts of winter weather hazards when they occur."

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, "It is extremely important for drivers to slow down, not crowd snowplows, and avoid travel when conditions are at their worst, if possible. DelDOT will be ready to respond to winter weather events, and we encourage everyone to take time to ensure their vehicles are also ready for winter weather by replacing wiper blades, checking the condition of tires, and having a car emergency kit."

The Delaware Climate Office reported that last year was somewhat warmer and much wetter than average, however the First State did have four snowfall accumulations. This included a January 19 snowstorm that dropped five inches of snow and closed state offices in Kent and New Castle Counties. This year, the NWS Climate Prediction Center (CPC) estimates a 57 percent chance that a weak and short-duration La Niña will emerge by December and persist through January to March 2025. The CPC three month outlooks currently call for somewhat above-normal temps and average seasonal precipitation. Overall, weak La Niña winters, and La Niña winters in general, mean "below-average snowfall" for the Mid-Atlantic from January to March.

One notable exception was the "Blizzard of 1996" that took place from January 6 to 8 during a La Niña winter pattern. It paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard for the better part of a week with Philadelphia setting a snowfall record of 30.7 inches while the City of Wilmington received 22 inches. A state of emergency was declared by Governors in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and dozens of deaths were attributed to the storm - many due to cardiac events from shoveling snow.

[Link]The so-called "Blizzard of 1996" dropped more than 20 inches on New Castle County. This photo by the New Castle County Police Department shows the effects of the storm. (Photo by @NCCPD Instagram)
Each day of Winter Weather Awareness Week on social media, participating agencies will focus on a different winter weather topic along with safety tips to get ready for whatever winter brings.

KEY MESSAGES

  • Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.
  • Register your mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on emergency closings or hazardous conditions in Delaware.
  • Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
  • If possible, avoid travel by car. However, if driving, be prepared for snow and icy conditions that can impact roadways. Check ahead on road conditions with the DelDOT Mobile App.
  • Build and stock a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit. Learn how at PrepareDE.org.
  • Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades, and other items.
  • Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures and stock pet supplies.
  • Preparedness takes a team: "buddy up" to help those with access and functional needs.

STAY INFORMED ON WEATHER

The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area.

Get to know the following winter weather terms and what they mean:

  • Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground: covering roads, trees, and power lines.
  • Sleet - Rain that turns to ice before reaching the ground.
  • Hypothermia - Illness caused when body temperature drops below what's needed to be healthy.
  • Frostbite - A medical condition when skin or body tissue is damaged from freezing.
  • Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.
  • Winter Weather Advisory - Cold, ice, and snow are expected.
  • Winter Storm Watch - Severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible in the next day or two.
  • Winter Warning - Issued when snow or sleet is expected in the next few hours or the next day.
  • Blizzard Warning - Heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

ROAD AND TRAVEL SAFETY

Last year, DEMA and DelDOT issued an advisory during the January 19 storm about poor visibility and the possibility of freezing on road surfaces. State officials caution motorists to slow down and adapt their driving to the road conditions, give plows plenty of space on the roads, and take the time to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before traveling. The free DelDOT mobile app provides news, updates, and access to more than 100 cameras to view road conditions before traveling.

[Link]Take the time before operating your vehicle to clear the snow and ice from all surfaces, not just the windshield. This will provide good visibility and lessen the danger of flying debris for other drivers.

DRIVING RESTRICTIONS

During a winter storm or other weather emergency, state officials can issue any one of three types of driving restrictions statewide or in one or more counties under Delaware Code:

  • Level 1 Driving Warning: Motorists should "exercise extra caution" if driving and encouraged not to drive "unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so." It should be noted that a Level 1 warning does not require a declared State of Emergency (SOE).
  • Level 2 Driving Restriction: Driving is restricted to "essential personnel" such as public or private snow removal operators and those "necessary to maintain the core functions of a government body or entity, and to maintain the health and safety of the people in Delaware including health-care services, and food and fuel deliveries during a state of emergency, regardless of whether they are employed by a public or private entity."
  • Level 3 Driving Ban: No person is permitted to drive except those "designated as first responders and essential personnel, including public utilities… and operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity."

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS AND RISKS

  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The use of alternative heating sources, such as space heaters and generators, during power outages can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not used safely.
  • Home Fires: Increased use of heating sources, holiday decorations, and cooking during the winter season can elevate the risk of home fires.
  • Isolation and Mental Health: Extended periods of cold and darkness during the winter can lead to feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affecting mental health.
  • Lack of Supplies: Snowstorms and severe weather can result in shortages of essential supplies, making it challenging to access food, water, and medical necessities.
  • Snow Removal Injuries: Clearing snow and ice from driveways and walkways can lead to physical injuries, such as back strain or heart attacks, especially for those not accustomed to strenuous activity.
[Link]Many people are injured or suffer cardiac events due to shoveling after a snow storm. Remember to go slowly, take breaks, bend at the knees, and pace yourself. Make sure to ask for help or have someone shovel for you if possible. Call 9-1-1 right away if you experience a medical emergency.

National Weather Service Links:

DelDOT Links:

DEMA Links:

Resources on Winter Preparedness:

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware's economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.