Sussex County readies for significant winter storm

Georgetown, Del. (1 p.m. Thu., Jan. 22, 2026): The first major storm of winter 2026 could bring travel to a crawl and widespread power outages across Sussex County and the mid-Atlantic region later this weekend, with forecasters predicting as much a foot of snow, along with ice and rain, before temperatures plummet into the teens and single digits to end January.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for all of Sussex County, from 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, through 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26. Forecasters predict as much as 12 inches of snow, though final tallies could vary, depending on the ultimate track of the still-developing storm and how much warm air is drawn in along the coast, potentially causing a change to a wintry mix and rain on Sunday. The storm, however, likely would end as snow, and be followed by a rush of arctic air that will keep temperatures well below freezing - and any precipitation on the group frozen - for part of next week. Winds and coastal flooding should be minimal.

Property owners should prepare now by removing or securing loose objects, and residents should stock up on provisions in the event travel is not possible and power is interrupted in the coming days.

"Whatever form the precipitation falls as really doesn't change the fact that this storm will cause disruption, here in Sussex County and across the state and region," Sussex County Emergency Manager/Deputy Director of Public Safety Timothy R. Cooper said. "Use this time now, ahead of the storm, to take stock and be ready."

Emergency planners urge the public to prepare now for the strong possibility of difficult travel, power outages, downed trees as a result of heavy snow and icing, as well as the extreme cold.

Travel on Sunday and Monday could be very difficult, if not impossible, at times. Those traveling for essential or emergency purposes, however, should be prepared with basic supplies on hand, including an ice scraper, blankets, sand or cat litter, de-icer, flashlight and batteries, mobile telephone, high-calorie non-perishable food and water, and a full tank of gas.

Meantime, residents and property owners should prepare themselves with basic household supplies, including extra food and water, first-aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, a battery-powered weather radio, extra prescription medicines, baby items, an emergency heat source and sufficient heating fuel.

Sussex County Emergency Management continues to monitor this situation and is working closely with other local and state governmental agencies. Additional staff are being called in to the County's Emergency Operations Center and paramedic stations to be on standby and respond to issues that may arise during and after the event. The County EOC will be on limited activation beginning this weekend.

For a list of road closures, visit the Delaware Department of Transportation website at www.deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, visit Delmarva Power's website at www.delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative's website at www.delaware.coop.

Stay tuned to local media, as well as the Sussex County website at www.sussexcountyde.gov. The public also should monitor the National Weather Service, at www.weather.gov/phi for the latest forecasts. Meantime, Sussex County offers a variety of social media outlets to relay the latest storm information. Please follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE and www.facebook.com/SussexCountyEmergencyManagement, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sussexde_govt and www.x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM. Updates will be issued as needed.

Sussex County reminds the public to only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Members of the public who have questions regarding this information should contact Sussex County Emergency Management at (302) 856-7360.

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