Georgetown, Delaware – Travel across Sussex County could turn dangerous within hours Sunday afternoon as blizzard conditions sweep into southern Delaware with up to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 55 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday for Inland Sussex County and the Delaware Beaches, including Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach. Snowfall rates may exceed 2 inches per hour Sunday afternoon and evening, with blowing snow reducing visibility below a quarter mile at times.
Route 1 along the coast, Route 113 through Georgetown and secondary roads near Rehoboth Beach could see rapid accumulation and drifting. Open stretches near the beaches and agricultural areas inland are especially vulnerable to whiteout conditions as strong winds whip snow across roadways.
Wind gusts near 55 mph may bring down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, charge electronic devices and prepare winter survival kits with blankets, food and water. Drivers who become stranded should remain inside their vehicles and call 511 for updated road conditions.
Conditions will deteriorate quickly after 1 p.m. Sunday and remain hazardous through the Monday evening commute. Additional advisories could be issued as the storm intensifies.
