The emergency declaration was to take effect at 8 p.m Friday and includes an order for Delawareans to stay off the roads as of 10 p.m. Friday. The governor said only emergency vehicles and essential personnel will be allowed on the roads until further notice.
Markell earlier had ordered nonessential employees not to report for work Friday evening or anytime Saturday.
Delaware was bracing for snowfall totals ranging from about 10 inches to two feet. Officials warn that the combination of wet and heavy snow and high winds could result in power outages.
Del. Nat'l Guard says its ready
The Delaware National Guard says it's ready to respond to the winter storm bearing down on the mid-Atlantic region.
Chief of staff Col. Robert Legg says the Guard can react quickly should Gov. Jack Markell call for help. The Guard has fully staffed a joint operations center and prepositioned equipment and communication resources. It also has stored food and generators in case the power goes out.
Legg also says 200 soldiers are immediately on hand and ready for state duty if need be.
Forecasters expect Delaware to get anywhere from 10 inches of snow in New Castle County to 24 inches in Kent County and northern Sussex County.
