Governor Declares State of Emergency for Delaware Ahead of Winter Storm Fern
Governor Matthew Meyer declared a State of Emergency for Delaware, effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern. This declaration allowed for the mobilization of statewide resources, including the Delaware National Guard, to prepare for and respond to the storm. As the storm progressed, driving restrictions were implemented and subsequently updated across the state, while agencies coordinated emergency response efforts and provided public safety guidance.
Declaration of Emergency
Governor Matthew Meyer declared a State of Emergency for Delaware on Saturday, January 24, 2026, becoming effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
This action facilitated the mobilization of statewide resources, including the Delaware National Guard, to prepare for and address the anticipated impacts of Winter Storm Fern. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) activated its State Emergency Operations Center, initiating an Enhanced Watch level on Saturday morning and reaching Full Activation by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. DEMA coordinated with various partners, including the Delaware National Guard, DelDOT, DHSS, Delaware State Police, and the National Weather Service (NWS). The Joint Information Center (JIC) was also activated to ensure clear communication.
Storm Forecasts and Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire forecast area from 7 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. A Blizzard Warning was also issued for all of Delaware from Saturday to Monday, indicating severe conditions.
Initial forecasts indicated 8-12 inches of snow across the state, with Kent and New Castle Counties expected to receive the highest amounts. Other forecasts projected even higher snowfall totals, between 12 and 20 inches, with widespread closures and infrastructure impacts considered likely. The storm was predicted to bring a wintry mix of snow, sleet, rain, and high wind gusts, along with rapidly dropping temperatures. These conditions were expected to lead to significant travel disruptions, power outages, and downed trees due to heavy snow and ice from freezing temperatures.
Driving Restrictions Overview and Evolution
State-mandated driving restrictions were implemented and evolved throughout the storm event to ensure public safety. The restrictions operated on three distinct levels:
- Level 1 Driving Warning: Advises motorists to avoid traveling on roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason, and to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary.
- Level 2 Driving Restriction: Prohibits motor vehicle operation on Delaware roadways for all persons except designated "essential personnel." This includes emergency workers, first responders, healthcare staff, and individuals approved through DEMA’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.
- Level 3 Driving Ban: Restricts roadway travel to only emergency workers, first responders, healthcare workers, utility workers, snow removal operators, and private sector flood and fuel deliveries. Employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment action against employees unable to report to work due to the ban, and violations may incur penalties.
- Sunday, January 25, 12:01 a.m.: A Level 1 Driving Warning was issued statewide, coinciding with the declaration of the State of Emergency.
- During the storm (prior to Monday morning): Kent and Sussex Counties were placed under a Level 3 Driving Ban, reflecting severe conditions in those areas. New Castle County was subsequently downgraded to a Level 1 Driving Warning.
- Monday, January 26, 10:00 a.m.: Driving restrictions in Delaware were downgraded across the state. Kent and New Castle Counties were downgraded from a Level 2 (or Level 3 for Kent) to a Level 1 Driving Warning. The Level 1 Driving Warning for Sussex County was lifted entirely.
Current Conditions and Impacts
As of January 26, 2026, Winter Storm Fern was transitioning to sleet and freezing rain in some areas, with ice accumulation expected. Temperatures were forecast to remain below freezing throughout the week, potentially dropping to single digits overnight. This could prolong dangerous travel conditions, including widespread black ice.
The Sussex County Department of Emergency Management reported that roads were impassable in the county. Over 56,000 customers were without electricity in Sussex County. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) continued its extensive efforts to clear roads across the state.
Resource Mobilization
The Delaware National Guard was mobilized to assist with storm response efforts across the state. National Guard assets were subsequently reassigned from New Castle County to Kent and Sussex Counties to address emerging and critical needs in those areas. DelDOT initiated and continued robust snow removal operations throughout the state.
Public Safety Recommendations
Residents were strongly advised to prepare homes and vehicles immediately by taking the following precautions:
- Stock non-perishable food, water, prescription medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, and battery-powered radios.
- Ensure vehicles had a full tank of gas, topped-off fluids, working brakes and wipers, jumper cables, blankets, and ice scrapers.
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure their safety plans were in place and they had adequate resources.
- Dress in layers and be aware of the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
- Weatherproof homes and winterize vehicles, and always bring pets indoors during severe weather.
- Stay informed about current weather forecasts and advisories before traveling.
- Avoid roads during inclement weather; if trapped in a car, remain inside for safety.
- Check tires and windshield wipers; clear all snow and ice from vehicles before driving.
- Drive slowly, at or below the posted speed limit, and maintain ample space between vehicles.
- Use low-beam headlights for better visibility, as Delaware law requires headlights in poor visibility conditions.
- Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and ramps; allow for increased stopping distance.
- Exercise extra caution on bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze faster than other road surfaces.
- Pay close attention at intersections and watch for other vehicles.
- Never pass a snowplow and always wear a seatbelt.
Emergency Assistance and Shelters
Delaware residents requiring assistance during the storm were directed to contact 211 for help with shelter, food, and medical transportation needs.
Code Purple Shelters were operating 24 hours statewide, providing emergency housing, meals, and resources for unhoused individuals during severe winter weather.
Contact Information for Code Purple Shelters:- New Castle County: 302-652-8033
- Kent County: 1-800-733-6816
- Sussex County: 302-519-0024
- Alternatively, call 211 for general assistance.
Emergency shelters were also opened at specific locations to accommodate displaced residents:
- Kent County: Dover High School – 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, DE 19904
- Sussex County: Sussex Central Middle School – 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947
- For information, including shelter relocation assistance in Sussex County, individuals could call (302) 856-7360.
Additional Information
Residents were strongly encouraged to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for hazardous condition updates and alerts.
DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC (1380AM and 98.5 FM), and the DelDOT app provided real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, the DelDOT Transportation Management Center (TMC) could be contacted at 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379. General information was available by calling 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.
The NWS Winter Weather Dashboard provided short-term forecasts for the three-state region, and the FEMA Mobile App offered NWS alerts for specific areas. Additional valuable resources such as ArriveAliveDE.com and PrepareDE.org also offered guidance and preparedness information.