DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM

WHEREAS, a severe winter storm is anticipated to generate significant amounts of snow and sleet throughout the State, with anticipated accumulations of 12” or more, indicative of a historic winter storm; and

WHEREAS, the severe winter storm with blizzard conditions is expected to result in hazardous conditions, including reduced visibility, snow drifts, icy road surfaces, and other roadway hazards that make travel dangerous and create potentially life-threatening conditions for the public; and

WHEREAS, due to forecasted rainfall and previous melting from January’s historic snow and ice storm, there are increased risks for widespread flooding in coastal communities across Delaware;

WHEREAS, the predicted weather conditions will likely continue to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening road conditions and may result in additional public safety responses.

NOW THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW MEYER, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby declare a State of Emergency. This State of Emergency will be effective as of Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. E.S.T., and shall continue until terminated as provided under state law. The nature of the emergency is the accumulation of significant amounts of snow and sleet, and flooding. Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

1. All departments and agencies of the State of Delaware shall assist in response and recovery activities, as directed by and in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), necessary in those areas affected by the storm. Further, DEMA is authorized to enact the Delaware Emergency Operations Plan.
2. The Delaware National Guard shall take precautionary or responsive actions directed by the Director of DEMA, in consultation with the Secretary of DSHS, upon request by local authorities.
3. I authorize the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with DEMA and the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, to order such bridge and road closures as necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.
4. I authorize the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation to issue waivers of state enforcement of laws and regulations applicable to commercial motor vehicles operating in support of this declared emergency, in accordance with 21 Del. C. Chapter 45 and 49 C.F.R. § 390.23.
5. I reserve the right to take or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code to respond to this emergency.