Sussex County is activating its Emergency Operations Center and pre-position paramedics at local fire stations this evening, as snow continues to fall throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Click here to submit your snow photos!
TRACKING THE STORM
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The National Weather Service’s blizzard warning remains in effect for all of Sussex County, from now until 7 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters are predicting a range of 18 to 30 inches of snow to fall across the area overnight and well into Saturday.
The snow, possibly mixed with sleet and rain, could fall at the rate of two inches an hour, with 30 mile-per-hour winds and visibilities under one-quarter mile, resulting in whiteout, blizzard conditions. Tidal flooding also is possible with this potentially dangerous coastal storm.
“The time for preparation and dress-rehearsal is over,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “Now is the time for all of us, emergency planners and the public alike, to implement our plans, to pool our resources and to hunker down for what looks to be a rough 18 to 24 hours.”
Non-essential travel during that time is strongly discouraged as heavy snowfall totals and wind-whipped drifts will keep roads impassable and treacherous.
In anticipation of the storm, the County EOC will be staffed with additional 911 dispatchers, storm hotline call takers and representatives from various government agencies beginning at 6 p.m. Friday. Those additional staff members and agency representatives will be on hand around the clock for the duration of the event, responding to public requests and coordinating emergency response.
Meantime, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services will position additional paramedics at fire and ambulance stations throughout the county to ensure EMS coverage remains constant during the storm, EMS Acting Director Robert Stuart said.
“It is critical that the public heed the warnings and stay off the roads tonight and Saturday. Stay inside your homes where you are safe from the elements,” Sussex County Administrator David B. Baker said. “That will enable state Department of Transportation crews to clear roads and allow our public safety providers to handle any emergencies during and after the storm.”
