After rain and above-freezing temperatures this week, Delaware is bracing for significant snowfall. Temperatures are expected to drop Sunday, Feb. 22, with snow beginning that afternoon and continuing into Monday evening, Feb. 23.
Winter Storm Warnings Issued
The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, has issued a winter storm warning for New Castle County, and blizzard warnings for Kent and Sussex counties. A winter storm warning indicates hazardous winter weather is imminent, including the potential for 5 or more inches of snow, damaging ice accumulation, or a combination of snow and wind.
Blizzard warnings are issued when blowing snow and wind combine to create very low visibility. The National Weather Service forecasts a range of possible snowfall amounts, with a 9 in 10 chance that actual snowfall will exceed the “low end” estimate and a 1 in 10 chance it will exceed the “high end” estimate.
Snowfall Forecasts Across Delaware
Here are the snowfall forecasts for several Delaware cities, according to the National Weather Service, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21:
- Wilmington: Low end: half an inch, High end: 28 inches, Expected: 12 inches
- Middletown: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 26 inches, Expected: 11 inches
- Smyrna: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 28 inches, Expected: 12 inches
- Dover: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 31 inches, Expected: 12 inches
- Milford: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 30 inches, Expected: 11 inches
- Georgetown: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 28 inches, Expected: 11 inches
- Seaford: Low end: 1 inch, High end: 27 inches, Expected: 10 inches
- Bethany Beach: Low end: half an inch, High end: 23 inches, Expected: 8 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a winter storm warning?
A winter storm warning is issued when hazardous winter weather is imminent. Hazardous winter weather can be the accumulation of 5 inches or more of snow, enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or powerlines, or a damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind.
What is a blizzard warning?
Blizzard warnings are issued when a combination of blowing snow and wind results in very low visibilities.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more information from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/fgz/WinterStorms and snowfall probabilities at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/Prob_Precip/.
As the storm approaches, will you be prepared to adjust your plans based on the latest forecasts?
