Delaware Governor John Carney is proclaiming the week of November 27 to December 1 as “Winter Weather Awareness Week in Delaware.”
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Department ofTransportation, National Weather Service, and county emergency agencies are teaming up to share important information to help residents and visitors to prepare and stay safe in the coming months. Learn more at: www.weather.gov/phi/dewinterweek
Winter can bring extreme cold, ice, snow, and high winds—knocking out power and heat and causing hazardous travel conditions, sometimes with deadly results. Last year, winter storms and extreme cold were responsible for 97 deaths in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. This includes the “once in a generation” late-December blizzard that brought 70 m.ph. winds and more than 50 inches of snow to Buffalo, New York, causing at least 47 deaths.
Experts say last year’s mild winter is no indication of what’s to come. Even though 2022-2023 was among the least snowy on record in the Mid-Atlantic, forecasts indicate a moderate to strong El Niño pattern, which could result in a few major winter storms despite a trend toward slightly above average temperatures and precipitation. Preparing now can greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe weather. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging everyone to: make a plan, build a home and car emergency kit, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Visit PrepareDE.org for more resources.
“Winter storms can arrive quickly and with little warning. Being prepared ensures the safety and well-being of families throughout the season. We encourage residents to take time to update their emergency kits and make sure their vehicle is ready for hazardous travel conditions,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.
Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “DelDOT is preparing for the upcoming winter months, and we encourage everyone to take time to ensure their vehicles are ready for winter weather by replacing wiper blades, checking the condition of tires, and having a car emergency kit. It is also extremely important for drivers to slow down, not crowd snowplows, and avoid travel when conditions are at their worst, if possible.”