State of Delaware Offices Closed Monday, March 3rd

Wilmington, DE – With a severe winter storm expected to generate significant snowfall throughout Delaware, Governor Jack Markell has issued a State of Emergency and “Level 1 Driving Warning,” effective Monday, March 3rd at 12:00 a.m. [See text below]. In addition, the Governor announced State of Delaware offices will be closed on Monday, March 3rd, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

According to state law, a “Level 1 Driving Warning” means that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.

“Once the precipitation turns to snow, we strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from being on the road,” said Governor Markell. “Snowfall amounts are predicted to increase rapidly as the storm progresses, which will create hazardous driving conditions. Hundreds of DelDOT crews will continue to work on clearing roads and we will continue to evaluate conditions.”

Video of the Governor’s media briefing: http://youtu.be/F5WymyzfcsU

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Executive Department

Dover

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

AND LEVEL I DRIVING WARNING

DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM

WHEREAS, a winter storm is expected statewide, with anticipated snowfall accumulations of 8 to 10 inches in Kent and Sussex Counties and 6 to 10 inches in New Castle County; and

WHEREAS, the predicted weather conditions will likely continue to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening road conditions and may result in additional public safety responses;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby declare a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware. This State of Emergency will be effective as of Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight E.S.T., and shall continue until terminated as provided under state law. The nature of the emergency is heavy snowfall and potentially high winds. Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

All departments and agencies of the State of Delaware shall assist in response and recovery activities, as directed by and in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), necessary in those areas affected by the storm. As of Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight E.S.T., and until further notice, a Level 1 Driving Warning is in effect. Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of that vehicle for the duration of the emergency. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle for the duration of the emergency, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so. State and local officials are directed to remove abandoned vehicles from roads in affected areas at the expense of the vehicle owner. I authorize the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with DEMA and the Secretary of DSHS, to order such bridge and road closures as necessary to protect the health and safety of the public. I reserve the right to take or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code to respond to this emergency.

APPROVED this 2nd day of March, 2014, at 5:30 p.m.