Delaware Winter Storm Watch: Up to 8 Inches of Snow Expected Tuesday
A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect across Delaware starting 1 p.m. Tuesday, with forecasts showing snowfall between 3 to 8 inches across the state, according to the National Weather Service.
The storm will hit Sussex and Kent counties hardest, where snow could reach 6 to 8 inches. Further north, amounts will decrease – 4 to 6 inches in northern Kent and southern New Castle County, while the northernmost areas may only get 3 to 4 inches.
The coast will see a mix of winter weather. Snow will likely mix with sleet, leaving 4 to 6 inches before it’s done. The watch continues through Wednesday afternoon.
Drivers should expect difficult travel, with the biggest problems during Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes. While weather experts can’t nail down exact timing yet, they’ve issued the watch to give early warning about serious winter weather ahead.
Still, this storm doesn’t compare to Delaware’s biggest blizzards. In 1899, Sussex County got buried under 24 inches of snow on February 13. Kent County saw its record snowfall on February 19, 1979, with 25 inches.
The massive “Snowmageddon” of 2010 left 25.8 inches at Wilmington Airport. That winter became the snowiest ever recorded for both Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania.
This early warning gives people time to prepare and get supplies. As the storm gets closer, experts say to keep watching for updated forecasts.
Southern Delaware looks to take the biggest hit. Bad road conditions and dangerous travel could affect the whole state.
Additional Sources:
https://tvdelmarva.com/winter-storm-watch-issued-for-delaware-maryland-and-new-jersey/
https://climate.udel.edu/2020/02/21/ten-years-since-delawares-snowmageddon/
https://stacker.com/delaware/biggest-snowfalls-recorded-delaware-history
