Weather
Delaware Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Dangerous Road Ice
Dover, DE – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Delaware. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 2
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-27T07:46:31.659Z
Dover, DE – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Delaware. As Winter Weather Awareness Week continues Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can create serious winter emergencies, even in a state where heavy snowfall is less frequent than farther north.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make travel hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and disrupt electrical service across communities.
How Much Ice Can Cause Serious Problems? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks dangerously slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause substantial tree damage and power outages.
Drivers traveling Interstate 95, Interstate 495, Delaware Route 1 and U.S. Route 13 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Winter Flooding Another winter hazard develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Although ice jams are less common in Delaware than in northern states, ice accumulation along freshwater waterways can create localized concerns. Communities near the upper Christina River, Brandywine Creek and portions of the Delaware River should monitor changing conditions during winter warmups.
How Delaware Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several important precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for possible power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official weather alerts and river conditions through the NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly office , which provides forecasts and warnings for Delaware.
Winter Weather Awareness Week continues through Saturday, October 31 , highlighting the importance of preparing before freezing rain, ice storms and winter flooding threaten communities statewide.