Delaware – Loose debris tumbles down sidewalks, flags strain at their poles, and the cold bites instantly as fierce winds roar across northern Delaware this morning. Travel feels tense, especially on exposed bridges and elevated roads where gusts hit without warning.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a High Wind Warning remains in effect through midnight for much of Delaware, including Wilmington and coastal communities. Northwest winds sustain 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph. An Extreme Cold Warning also remains in effect through Sunday morning, with wind chills plunging as low as 10 degrees below zero.
In Wilmington, conditions deteriorate quickly through the morning and afternoon. High-profile vehicles face serious difficulty on I-95, I-495, and Route 13. Tree limbs and power lines may come down, leading to scattered outages. Residents should secure outdoor objects immediately and avoid unnecessary travel during peak wind hours.
Temperatures struggle to climb, with daytime highs near 15 degrees. Wind chills stay well below zero for hours, increasing the risk of frostbite on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes. Even brief outdoor tasks require full winter protection. If driving is necessary, expect sudden crosswinds and blowing debris, especially near open waterways.
Tonight brings clearer skies but little relief. Winds gradually ease, yet temperatures fall toward 5 degrees, keeping wind chills near dangerous levels. Sunday remains cold but calmer, with sunshine doing little to warm the air. Highs reach the upper teens.
Early next week offers improvement. Monday turns mostly sunny with highs near 29. By Tuesday and Wednesday, temperatures rebound into the upper 30s and low 40s, hinting at a February thaw. Longer-range trends suggest above-normal temperatures later next week.
Stay indoors during peak winds, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prepare for possible outages. Feeling the wind where you are? Share what conditions look like in your area.
Five-Day Outlook for Wilmington, DE
- Today: Mostly sunny, very windy; high near 15°F
- Tonight: Mostly clear, bitter cold; low near 5°F
- Sunday: Sunny and cold; high near 19°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny; high near 29°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny and milder; high near 38°F
