Wilmington, DE – Delaware officials are urging residents to begin preparing today for potential ice storms this winter, emphasizing that freezing rain can be significantly more disruptive than snowfall. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), ice accumulation can quickly damage trees and powerlines, leading to outages that may last for days across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties.
According to NOAA, even a thin layer of ice can overload weakened branches and create dangerous road conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and coastal routes. Delaware’s mix of suburban neighborhoods, wooded corridors, and high-traffic highways makes the state particularly vulnerable when freezing rain moves in. With fluctuating temperatures this week, emergency managers say now is the ideal time to take preventative steps.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should begin by trimming weak or damaged branches near homes, driveways, and sidewalks. These limbs can snap quickly once coated in ice. NOAA also advises drivers not to raise windshield wipers before storms, as they may freeze to the glass and break; keeping wipers lowered and covered is the safest option.
Residents are encouraged to store at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can severely impact travel on I-95, Route 1, Route 13, and Route 40, potentially isolating some communities. Officials also warn motorists not to park vehicles under trees, where ice-laden branches may fall unexpectedly.
To stay connected during outages, emergency managers urge residents to fully charge phones, flashlights, and portable batteries today. Homeowners who rely on generators should store extra gasoline safely and perform a test run before winter storms develop. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also help reduce slip-and-fall risks around entrances and walkways.
“Ice storms can cause serious disruption across Delaware,” the NWS said. “Preparing today is the best strategy for staying safe this winter.”
