Delawareans had the sun on their side for a change this weekend as they dug out of a massive snowstorm that dropped more than 20 inches of snow in all parts of the state.
It was the kind of storm that easily ate up two hours worth of time for those shoveling out their driveway.
But, once that chore was done, residents could not help but venture out to some of the state’s sweet spots for sledding when there has been ample snowfall.
Such was definitely the case Sunday, Feb. 7 at the sprawling property next to Pike Creek Christian School, a popular sledding ground with its hilly terrain and various take off points. Cars lined Polly Drummond Road for a three-block span, and hundreds gathered along the ridge, waiting for their turn to take off.
Among those with sleds, tubes and anything that could slide on snow were Newark residents Sarah Tipping, 11, her father Matt, and Tipping’s friends Lynn Marcus and Ryan Teloh. They had been there for an hour in the sunny, yet frigid conditions.
With Matt Tipping providing some tips, the three girls decided to all take off together and were all smiles as they managed to get at least halfway down the slope.
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Snowfall amounts in the Diamond State Claymont 25.2 inches Source: The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J. |
Indeed, more people ventured out on Sunday as state officials made progress clearing the Diamond State’s primary roads. Yet state law enforcement officials hurged motorists to stay home if they could help it.
While the primary roads in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties are passable, the Delaware Department of Transportation crews are still hard at work on the secondary roads, DelDOT spokesman Jim Westhoff said. And even though primary roads are passable, that does not mean they are entirely clear. Rather, it is possible to drive on them if one goes very slowly, he said.
“Keep in mind that the National Guard Humvees are getting stuck on the secondary roads so that’s a strong indicator that the average person with our without four-wheel drive should not be attempting to head out on the roadways if it is not an emergency.”
The state of emergency declared by Gov. Jack Markell at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, remains in effect until further notice from the governor’s office and Delaware Emergency Management Agency. However, it was modified Saturday night at 8 p.m. to lift the mandatory driving restriction.
“We know people are a little stir crazy and would like to go watch the game out or with friends but we’re asking you to celebrate at home instead,” Office of Highway Safety spokeswoman Andrea Summers said. “Please weigh your desire to get out with the need for public safety. We don’t want you to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday in a ditch.”
