1500 Hours, Friday, February 10, 2006: A developing storm system now forming over the Gulf Coast states is poised to move up the Eastern Seaboard this weekend, and bring with it the first real taste of winter this year for Sussex County and the rest of the mid-Atlantic region.

National Weather Service forecasters are predicting a significant coastal storm will move into the region during the afternoon Saturday, Feb. 11, and continue until about daybreak Sunday, Feb. 12. There is the potential, according to the latest forecasts, for 5 to 9 inches of snow in parts of inland Sussex County, with lesser amounts – as much as 3 to 5 inches of snow – along the immediate coastline.

The precipitation could begin as a mix of snow and rain, but is expected to change to all snow in most locations after sunset Saturday when temperatures will fall below freezing. Snow could be heavy at times, and 15 mph to 25 mph winds out of the northeast, and eventually the northwest, could cause wind-chill values to dip into the teens. Winds also could cause drifting of snow, making travel hazardous.

There also is the potential for minor coastal flooding along the shoreline, so residents in those areas are advised now to make the necessary preparations for their properties.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the winter weather predicted for our area for this weekend, and will staff the 911 center with additional personnel if conditions warrant.

We would encourage all residents to prepare for this winter storm now, and to monitor local television and radio stations, as well as Internet sites, for updates on the latest forecast. The National Weather Service’s Philadelphia-Mount Holly homepage is https://www.weather.gov/phi/

Once the snow has started, travel on roadways should be curtailed if at all possible. If residents must travel, they should use extreme caution, keeping in mind that there will be emergency vehicles and plow trucks on the roads. If you must travel, leave early for your destination and take it slowly.

To prepare now, residents should have ample storm supplies, such as:

• Flashlights with fresh batteries;
• A portable radio with fresh batteries;
• Medications to last several days;
• Special needs items such as baby formula, diapers and foods for special diets;
• Non-perishable foods and drinking water to last several days;
• Gasoline for vehicles. Should there be a power outage, gas pumps will not work.

Have utility bills handy so that in the event of an outage, you will have your utility company’s phone number and your account number ready. Call your utility provider to report an outage or to request service. DO NOT CALL 911 to report power outages or request utility services. Also, please remember pets. Be sure to have shelter for them during the storm.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor the storm and will update residents through the local media.