By Craig Anderson

Delawareans should probably keep their snow shovels nearby, but they may not be needed for much.

While the National Weather Service is projecting a 90% chance of rain and snow in the Dover area Thursday night, new precipitation amounts of only a quarter- to a half-inch are possible. There is a 90% chance of snow Friday, as well, mainly before 8 a.m. Clear and sunny skies are expected later Friday and on Saturday.

Sunny skies are expected Tuesday in Dover, with a high near 35. Increasing clouds are expected to follow later, with a low around 23.

Georgetown is set for sunny skies Tuesday, too, NWS predicted.

There’s a 90% chance of precipitation (rain, snow and sleet) Thursday night into Friday morning in Georgetown, with new precipitation between a quarter- and a half-inch possible.

Associate State climatologist Kevin Brinson noted that the state's temperatures dropped rapidly from 60 degrees during the weekend and described the snowstorm conditions as "not impossible for our area but not typical either."

Despite Monday’s blast of snow, Mr. Brinson said, “The actual seasonal outlook for the winter is for it to be a pretty mild one overall."

While December’s weather was considered “mild” Mr. Brinson said, “The next week or two here looks pretty chilly relatively speaking and it looks like later in the winter we’ll transition back into a warmer pattern.”

A dry climate figures to exist as well, according to Mr. Brinson.

“I wouldn’t say it's definitely going to be dryer this winter but it definitely doesn’t look like it’s going to be a wet one overall.”

Ultimately, “We can still have snowstorms pop up when the right conditions present themselves like we had (Monday),” Mr. Brinson said.

At around 2:15 p.m., Delaware Department of Transportation spokesman C.R. McLeod said, "Road conditions have improved significantly today and the sun and above freezing temperatures are a big help."

Also, Mr. McLeod said, "We still have a handful of local roads in Sussex County that are impacted by downed trees but otherwise no major issues.

"We continue to plow in Sussex County and have brought trucks from the north downstate to assist. Local roads definitely still have hard pack snow and that can refreeze tonight as temperatures are expected to fall below freezing again so icy conditions will again be a concern."

In Ellendale, where a state-high 14.5 inches fell,  resident Sharon Annis was prepared to shovel her driveway this afternoon because, "There was no use to even try yesterday."

With four boys, ages 7 to 10, and a 9-month-old German Shepherd puppy at her home yesterday, a good time was had by all, she said. 

"They all loved it," she said. "They  had a blast. They thought playing in it was the greatest thing ever."

Afterward, Ms. Annis said she made hot cocoa for the kids, along with  frozen snow cream made with milk, sugar and vanilla.

Ms. Annis and her husband stocked up on water in containers and pitchers in case of an emergency that never arrived. They're keeping water on hand just in case it's needed if snow arrives on Friday, she said.

At around 12:30 p.m., Delaware Electric Cooperative spokesman Jeremy Tucker said working conditions "were still pretty dangerous for (crew members)."

Also, he said, "After restoring power this morning to just about everyone impacted by the storm yesterday, we now have about 700 members without power.

"Trees continue to bring down lines and cause damage. We expect scattered outages to continue throughout the day."

According to the Delaware  Environmental Observing System, Ellendale's snowfall total was followed by Harrington (12.2 inches), Seaford (12.1), Woodside (10), Frederica (9.6), Bridgeville (9.3), and Dover (8.5).

While Glasgow received 2.2 inches in New Castle County, totals decreased steadily to the north. Greenville and Hockessin saw no snow, according to DEOS. 

Mr. Brinson noted that the state's temperatures dropped rapidly from 60 degrees during the weekend and described the snowstorm conditions as "not impossible for our area but not typical either."

When a significant cold front that originated in Canada arrived in Delaware, it was met with moisture in the air that had been created through cloudy skies for several days, he said.

The recent snowfall hadn't been matched in Delaware since Jan. 23, 2016, according to Mr. Brinson. While that storm amounted to a blizzard, he said, "There were gusts of wind this time but nothing that created a hazard."

This story will be updated.