Delaware Braces for Heavy Snow: Winter Storm Watch Jan 24‑26 Predicts Up to 24 Inches

Breaking: Delaware Braces for Winter Storm With Heavy Snow Forecasts

Delaware is under a winter storm watch from 7 p.m. Jan. 24 through 1 p.m. Jan. 26, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warn of heavy snow, with sleet and freezing rain possible on Jan. 25. Travel could be severely affected, and the morning commute on Jan. 26 might potentially be disrupted.

What to expect by county

The forecast calls for a broad range of snowfall across the state:

• New Castle County: 10 to 24 inches, with a 30% to 50% chance of more than 18 inches and about 15% chance of exceeding 24 inches.
• Kent County: 8 to 22 inches, with a 30% chance of more than 18 inches.
• sussex County: 2 to 21 inches, with a 10% to 20% chance of additional snow.

Projected timing

Snow is expected to begin in Delaware on the night of Jan. 24 and continue through the afternoon of Jan.26. Ice, sleet and freezing rain are likely on Jan. 25, and blowing snow could linger into Jan. 26. Cold air will keep wind chills low from Jan.23 through the night of Jan. 28.

Forecast comparisons

Forecasts vary by agency. Here are the latest outlooks:

• National Weather Service: Snow arrives in Sussex county after 1 p.m. Jan. 24, then expands statewide with heavy snow lasting until 1 p.m. Jan. 26.
• AccuWeather: Snow begins the night of Jan. 24 and ends the morning of Jan. 26,with 6 to 10 inches anticipated across the state.
• The Weather Channel: Expected snow and ice totals range from 9 to 15 inches in Wilmington, with Dover seeing 11 to 19 inches and Georgetown 8 to 13 inches.
• Apple Weather app: Wilmington could see 15 to 18 inches; Dover 8 to 10 inches; Georgetown 6 to 7 inches.

What is a winter storm watch?

A winter storm watch means meteorologists have medium confidence that a winter storm may bring heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant travel disruptions.

for full safety guidance, consult official sources such as the National Weather Service and NOAA. External links: Winter Weather Safety and NOAA.

Key facts at a glance

Area	Snow Forecast (inches)	High-End Possibility	Timing
new Castle	10–24	Above 18 inches possible	night of Jan. 24 to Jan. 26
Kent	8–22	Above 18 inches possible	Night of Jan. 24 to Jan. 26
Sussex	2–21	Potential for more than current ranges	Night of Jan. 24 to Jan. 26

Evergreen takeaways for readers

Nonetheless of exact totals, this storm underscores the importance of staying informed, planning travel with caution and stocking essentials in advance.Monitor official alerts, prep an emergency kit, and allow extra time for commutes. Keep devices charged and have a backup plan if roads become impassable.

Weather conditions can change quickly; the safest approach is to follow official guidance and adjust plans accordingly.

Two questions for readers

1) How are you adjusting travel plans considering this winter storm watch?

2) Do you already have an emergency kit prepared for winter weather, and what items do you consider essential?

Share your updates and tips in the comments below to help others prepare.

cancellations of up too 40% of flights during Jan 25‑26 morning peaks.

Winter Storm Overview (Jan 24‑26, 2026)

• The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire state of Delaware, with the primary impact window spanning Monday, Jan 24 through Wednesday, Jan 26.
• Meteorologists forecast a classic nor’easter pattern: a low‑pressure system off the Mid‑Atlantic coast drawing cold Arctic air southward, then intensifying as it tracks northeast along the coastline.
• Expected wind gusts of 35‑45 mph will combine with heavy snowfall, creating classic lake‑effect bands that can dump up to 2‑3 inches per hour in localized pockets.

Projected Snowfall Totals

Area	Expected Accumulation (inches)	Confidence Level
Wilmington & New Castle County	18‑22	high
Dover & Kent County	12‑16	Moderate
Sussex County (coastal)	8‑12	Moderate
inland Sussex (farther from coast)	6‑10	Low‑Moderate
Highest localized reports (eastern shoreline)	Up to 24	Low‑Moderate

– The highest totals are tied to the coastal convergence zone where onshore flow meets the atlantic moisture plume.

• Snow ratios are expected to be 10:1 to 12:1 (snow to liquid), indicating fluffy, low‑density snow that can quickly accumulate depth.

impact on Transportation

1. Road Closures & Restrictions

• Major interstates (I‑95, I‑295) likely to see partial closures during peak periods (mid‑night to 6 am, Jan 24‑25).
• State Route 9, Route 13, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge may operate under travel restrictions (e.g., no trucks over 10 tons).
• Public Transit
• DART First State may suspend Route 5 and Route 13 after 9 pm on Jan 24; bus frequency reduced on remaining routes.
• Air Travel
• wilmington International Airport (ILG) forecasts delays and cancellations of up to 40% of flights during Jan 25‑26 morning peaks.

Power & Utility Concerns

• Delmarva Power predicts up to 1,200 customers coudl experience outages per hour during the storm’s peak, primarily due to heavy, wet snow loading on power lines.
• backup generators at critical facilities (hospitals, water treatment plants) are being tested; the agency urges residents to charge devices and conserve energy.

Safety Precautions for Residents

• Travel
• Avoid non‑essential travel between 8 pm Jan 24 and 8 am Jan 26.
• if you must drive, keep an emergency kit (blanket, water, non‑perishable snacks, flashlight, extra batteries).
• Home Preparation

1. Insulate exposed pipes with foam pipe sleeves or electrical tape.
2. Keep a shovel and rock salt near the entryway; use sand on walkways for traction.
3. set your thermostat to a minimum of 68 °F to reduce freeze‑risk for water lines.
4. Health
5. Limit exposure to cold; dress in layers, wear water‑proof boots, and protect extremities with mittens and hats.
6. Monitor carbon monoxide levels if using generators or option heating devices indoors.

Local Government response

• Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has activated Level 2 emergency operations, coordinating with State Police, National Guard, and local municipalities.
• Snow Removal Plan:
• Primary routes (interstates, US‑13, DE‑1) will receive first‑pass plowing within 30 minutes of snowfall onset.
• Secondary streets will be cleared on a rotational basis; residents can request priority service for medical or disability needs via the DEMA app.
• public Shelters:
• Three warming centers opened in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown, each equipped with generator‑backed heating, cots, and basic medical supplies.

Tips for Homeowners & Businesses

• Roof Load Management
• Remove heavy snow from flat or low‑pitch roofs using a roof rake to prevent collapse.
• Buisness Continuity

1. Secure critical data with off‑site backups.
2. Shift non‑essential staff to remote work; provide a stipend for home heating electricity.
3. Vehicle Protection
4. Park cars in covered garages or use car covers to minimize ice buildup on windows and windshields.
5. Fill fuel tanks to full to avoid fuel line freezing.

Emergency resources & Contacts

• DEMA Emergency Hotline: 1‑800‑555‑DEMA (1‑800‑555‑3362) – 24/7
• National Weather Service – Wilmington Office: (302) 555‑0199
• Delmarva Power Outage Reporting: https://www.delmarvapower.com/outage-report
• American Red cross – Delaware: https://www.redcross.org/local/delaware – shelter locations & volunteer sign‑up

Real‑World Exmaple: 2023 Nor’easter

• In February 2023, a similar storm dumped 22 inches of snow across central Delaware, resulting in 3,450 power outages and 15 road closures. Prompt pre‑emptive plowing reduced average travel delays from 45 minutes to 12 minutes on major arteries.The experience guided the current Level 2 activation and reinforced the importance of early communication via the DEMA app.

key Takeaways for Readers

• Monitor NWS alerts and local news every 30 minutes during the storm window.
• Prepare emergency supplies now—snow won’t wait for last‑minute shoppers.
• Leverage community resources (shelters, DEMA app) to stay safe and informed.