Wilmington, Delaware – Drivers in northern Delaware could face near-zero visibility before midday as a blizzard drops up to 20 inches of snow and pushes wind gusts to 45 mph through 6 p.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 10 a.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday for New Castle County. Snow will intensify this afternoon, with the heaviest bands arriving tonight. Forecasters warn snowfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour, while strong winds whip snow into whiteout conditions and heavy drifting.
Major routes including Interstate 95, Route 1, Route 202 and Interstate 495 are expected to deteriorate rapidly, especially on bridges and elevated roadways over the Christina and Brandywine rivers. Conditions will likely worsen ahead of the Monday morning commute and remain dangerous into the evening drive. Even plowed roads may quickly become snow covered again.
Wind-driven snow could snap tree limbs and lead to isolated power outages across Wilmington and surrounding communities. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, charge electronic devices and prepare for extended time indoors. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and check road conditions by dialing 511.
Snow will taper during the day Monday, but gusty winds will continue to reduce visibility and drift snow into roadways. Additional advisories may follow as the storm pulls away late Monday.
