Home / Disasters and Accidents / Delaware Buried Under Blizzard: 50,000 Homes Dark
Delaware Buried Under Blizzard: 50,000 Homes Dark
23 Feb
Summary
- Up to 14 inches of snow fell, causing widespread power outages for 50,000 homes.
- Driving bans are in effect for Kent and Sussex counties due to hazardous conditions.
- Wastewater facilities in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes request limited water use.
A powerful winter storm has left thousands in Delaware experiencing extensive power outages and other issues. By Monday morning, February 23rd, certain areas in the state's lower counties had received over a foot of snow. Delaware Electric Cooperative reported that as many as 50,000 homes were without power, with damage estimated to be worse than previous blizzards.
Delmarva Power also reported over 35,000 customers affected by more than 900 active outages. Driving bans remain in effect for Kent and Sussex counties due to downed trees and wires, with numerous vehicles reported stuck. Rehoboth Beach and Lewes have asked residents to limit water use and avoid flushing toilets due to impacts on wastewater treatment facilities.
The storm, which began impacting the state on February 22nd, was expected to continue through February 23rd. Governor Matt Meyer had declared a State of Emergency on February 22nd, enabling the mobilization of statewide resources, including the Delaware National Guard. Blizzard conditions were anticipated to persist until 6 p.m. on February 23rd.
