Delaware is bracing for a potential nor’easter as forecasts indicate the storm may impact the state from Sunday, February 22, through Monday, February 23. While the exact track and intensity of the storm remain uncertain, meteorologists are keeping a close watch.
According to the National Weather Service, the forecast predicts snow to begin in the early hours of Sunday, transitioning to a mix of rain and snow during the morning and then shifting back to snow by the afternoon, lasting until 1 p.m. on Monday. Jonathan Erdman, a meteorologist with Weather.com, noted that the storm could develop quickly, but its course is still unclear, which complicates predictions for resulting conditions such as snow, rain, and coastal flooding across the East Coast.
The weather service highlighted that recent weather models show a trend toward the storm’s path moving further offshore than previously anticipated, with the European model indicating a more seaward position. While this may reduce the impact inland, coastal areas could still experience significant weather effects.
Forecasts vary on expected snowfall amounts across Delaware. The National Weather Service reports a 70% chance of precipitation in New Castle County on February 22, with snow likely during the overnight and morning hours. Kent County may see a rain-snow mix, while Sussex County anticipates a similar outlook, but with slightly different precipitation percentages.
AccuWeather predicts New Castle County may receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, while Kent County is expected to see 2 to 4 inches, and Sussex County could get 3 to 6 inches. On the other hand, The Weather Channel’s projections are similar for New Castle and Kent counties, with Sussex also forecasted to receive around 3 to 5 inches. Conversely, the Apple Weather App estimates more significant snowfalls, predicting 5 to 8 inches in New Castle County, 9 to 11 inches in Kent, and up to 12 inches in Sussex County.
As the storm approaches, residents are advised to prepare for winter conditions, which may include creating emergency kits, checking heating systems, and ensuring sufficient supplies are on hand to cope with any adverse weather that may arise. With forecasts continuously being updated, staying informed will be crucial as Delaware navigates this uncertain weather pattern.