peel back effect
WINTER STORM

Southern Delaware may see brunt of potential weekend snowstorm

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MIDDLETOWN — A winter storm may pound Delaware in reverse order this weekend.

On Jan. 28, AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys said a blizzard was possible in southern Delaware, though he described his level of confidence as “moderate.”

The Lewes, Georgetown and Laurel areas could receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, high winds and below-freezing temperatures from Jan. 31-Feb. 1, he said.

More northern parts of the First State saw the most snowfall weekend of Jan. 24-25, and Mr. Roys said that doesn’t seem likely this time.

“What we’re very confident in is that the coastal areas in this case will ” see the most impact from a potential storm, Mr. Roys said.

While the Dover area could see 3 to 6 inches of snow, Wilmington is more likely to see closer to see 1 inch up to perhaps 3, Mr. Roys said.

Mr. Roys said the upcoming snow, if applicable, may be fluffier than the last round “making it easier to fly around, making the visibility greatly reduced.

“We can all agree that it is tough to drive at night (and this will make it more difficult."

Blizzard conditions include, among other factors 35 mph wind and visibility of less than a quarter mile for three consecutive hours. Mr. Roys said.

According to AccuWeather, temperatures in the Lewes area will range from 12 to 25 degrees from Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Mr. Roys noted that windy conditions “will make it colder than what the thermometer says.”

In Dover, temperatures are forecast to be between 6 to 23 degrees on Jan. 29-30 and 11 to 24 on Jan. 31-Feb. 1.

Just prior to 1 p.m. Jan. 28, Delaware Department of Transportation spokesperson C.R. McLeod provided an update on road conditions:

• Sussex County – Plowing operations completed; salting any icy areas as needed.

• Kent County – Plows are working in subdivisions today; pushing snow further off primary and secondary roads as needed.

• New Castle County – Plows are working in subdivisions today; pushing snow further off primary and secondary roads as needed

“(The) biggest challenge at this point is that there is little melting occurring because of the very cold temperatures and roads that are snow and ice packed are difficult to clear,” Mr. McLeod said.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as our crews have continued work to reach all areas that DelDOT is responsible for plowing.”

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