While totals may only reach 4 inches, agencies are prepared for more
Dover -- The notoriously unpredictable weather in Delaware makes it necessary for state agencies to prepare for more snow than is forecast this weekend, officials from various state agencies say.
Carolann Wicks, secretary of The Delaware Department of Transportation, said her department is ready for the storm. ''In Sussex County, our crews spent yesterday applying brine, which is a salt and water mixture,'' Wicks said. ''Today, we are switching over vehicles so they can apply only salt, and we are also studying the weather forecasts.''
Wicks said DelDOT equipment and materials have been fixed and replenished since the mid-December snow storm. ''Since that storm, our people been working hard to replenish the salt stockpiles and make repairs on the vehicles. The tanks are full and we're ready. Drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and supervisors have been told to be ready, and I am confident that if needed, the people at DelDOT will once again do an outstanding job.''
DelDOT supervisors will decide about when, and if, to call in crews, as the storm comes nearer.
As of Friday morning, the National Weather Service is forecasting that Delaware will not see much, if any, snow accumulation from the storm heading across from the mid-South. Sussex County is expected to receive, at most, only one to two inches with accumulation decreasing on the northern edges of the storm track across the county. Some southern areas might see up to four inches, others only a dusting. No accumulation is expected from mid-Kent and north to New Castle County.
The Delaware Department of Emergency Management (DEMA) reminded the public to be aware of road conditions before traveling. ''Even a light layer or dusting of snow can affect steering and stopping,'' said spokesperson Rosanne Pack.
Pack said that state officials will continue to monitor the storm's progress and will stay in communication with other state officials, local emergency management agencies and responders ''The public should be aware that regardless of the nature of this approaching storm, it is a good time to review personal emergency plans, including supplies for a three- to five-day period when travel and utilities might be affected. Food and water supplies should always include special dietary and medical needs for household members and food and sanitation supplies for pets,'' Pack said.
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Salisbury will start plowing(cough) driving around in trucks (cough) beginning when night differential overtime starts Saturday and keep going until the regular shift starts Monday.
ReplyDeleteOh, and then school will cancel Monday until the roads can be cleared!
ReplyDeleteNOT in Delaware.
ReplyDeleteThe last snowstorm Dover residents complained like crazy to the City of Dover and now DE is doing something to actually prevent that from happening. Why doesnt that happen in Wicomico county? Everyone complains on this blog but nothing ever changes. I agree that snow removal around here is yet another one of the horribly executed local services. How do you change it? The problem, its always been bad and ppl think that its like that everywhere. NEWSFLASH, its not. 2 inches of snow shouldnt shutdown and entire area for days. Laziness is the common theme around here. No perseverance to plan ahead for what we know is coming. Welcome to the eastern shore.
ReplyDeleteWboc says SHA has been out salting before the storm? Ive been around Salisbury all day and still havent seen a salt truck or the brine on any of the roads. Has anyone else seen this anywhere today?
ReplyDeletePeople complain if the roads aren't cleared. People complain about the money spent on clearing the roads.
ReplyDeleteYou can't win.