Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, signing the order at 5:00 p.m. Saturday. The State of Emergency will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and allows for the mobilization of statewide resources, including the activation of the Delaware National Guard.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been activated at an Enhanced Watch level since Friday morning and is scheduled to move to Full Activation beginning at 8:00 a.m. Sunday. DEMA is coordinating response efforts with partners at the State Emergency Operations Center, including the Delaware National Guard, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Delaware State Police (DSP), the National Weather Service (NWS), county officials, and the Governor’s office. The Joint Information Center has also been activated.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire state from 7:00 p.m. Saturday through 1:00 p.m. Monday. Forecasts call for 8 to 12 inches of snow statewide, with the highest accumulations expected in Kent and New Castle counties. Significant snowfall is anticipated to begin late Saturday evening and continue through Sunday into Monday. High winds and the potential for a wintry mix raise concerns for hazardous travel, power outages, and downed trees due to heavy snow and ice combined with falling temperatures.
State officials warn that state mandated driving restrictions may be implemented as conditions worsen. These restrictions range from travel warnings urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel to full driving bans limiting roadways to emergency and essential personnel only.
Residents are urged to prepare homes and vehicles ahead of the storm, avoid unnecessary travel once conditions deteriorate, and sign up for emergency alerts through the Delaware Emergency Notification System at de.gov/dens. Officials also encourage Delawareans to monitor updates from DelDOT, WTMC Radio, and the National Weather Service, check on elderly neighbors and those with access and functional needs, and follow guidance from state and local authorities throughout the storm.
for more information visit: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/01/23/soe-eoc-activated-winter-storm/
