Delaware National Guard prepares for storm response

DOVER, Del. -- The Delaware National Guard says it's moving troops and trucks into position to respond quickly to winter storm emergencies.

Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala says about 125 soldiers and airmen should be in place Friday night for missions such as transporting citizens to safety, transporting first responders to emergencies and taking medical workers to hospitals and shelters.

He says the troops also can assist stranded motorists and provide traffic control.

Vavala says vehicles have been pre-positioned at National Guard facilities in Wilmington, Smyrna, Georgetown and an armory near Newport.

The National Weather Service says Delaware could get up to 18 inches of snow, high winds and coastal flooding from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.