Thousands Without Power After Day Of Heavy Winds, Officials “Stay Off The Roads”

High winds and rain have of downed trees, wires and utility poles across Delaware and the surrounding region throughout the day. Delmarva Power is reporting that thousands of customers are without power.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) placed its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at an Enhanced Activation Level due to weather conditions last night (Thursday). Those weather conditions are expected to continue into tomorrow (Saturday).

DEMA is in communication with its emergency response partners at the state, county, and municipal levels in order to assist or coordinate response to any problems created by the extremely high winds and rain.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has reduced the speed limit on I-495 until further notice. In Maryland, officials have closed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge twice today due to high winds. Updated information on the status of bridges in Maryland can be found at http://mdta.maryland.gov/. Follow information on Delaware road conditions at https://www.deldot.gov/.

The high winds have resulted in a number of downed trees, branches and power lines across the state today and more can be expected. Power outages should be reported to the electric provider. DO NOT approach a downed power line. Report roadway blockages from downed trees or power lines to DelDOT. Never drive into a flooded roadway.

For safety reasons, motorists are encouraged to stay off the roads tonight unless travel is necessary. DEMA advises Delawareans to stay up to date on the latest conditions and forecasts by monitoring local media and the National Weather Service web page. DEMA will also post updates on https://www.facebook.com/DelawareEmergencyManagementAgency/.

City of Newark electric crews were dispatched to remove a utility pole that had fallen on a car in Newark.
A tree fell on a home at Greenbank Road and Duncan Road in Marshallton.
Drivers traveling on I-95 at the Tydings Bridge are being diverted off the highway due to high winds on the bridge. A tractor trailer reportedly overturned earlier in the day.

[/media-credit] Tree on house Claymont
Crews

Delmarva Power is dealing with multiple reports of customers with out power across New Castle County.

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