WILMINGTON — As heavy snow and gusting winds move across Delaware tonight, residents in Wilmington, Dover and surrounding communities are being urged to prepare for potential overnight power outages.
Winter storms that intensify after dark often bring heightened risk as visibility drops and temperatures fall. If electricity goes out, officials advise residents to remain indoors and avoid investigating outside conditions until daylight. Snowdrifts and ice can conceal hazards, including downed power lines.
The most immediate concern during an outage is heat. Many Delaware homes depend on electric-powered systems to circulate warm air. If power fails, residents should close doors to unused rooms, seal drafts with towels and dress in layers to retain body heat. Indoor temperatures can decline more quickly than expected during sustained cold.
Authorities also warn against operating generators, grills or propane heaters inside garages or enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide can accumulate rapidly and without noticeable warning signs. Battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors should be active and within reach.
Residents are encouraged to limit opening refrigerators and freezers to preserve cold air and prevent food spoilage. Cell phones should be switched to low-power mode to conserve battery life in case restoration efforts take time.
Utility crews are typically staged ahead of major winter weather events, but snow accumulation and wind conditions can impact response times.
As snowfall continues overnight, preparation and caution remain critical across Delaware.
