WGMD ACCUWEATHER FORECAST:

Tonight:  Partly Cloudy                                                                                            Lo  12-22

Tuesday:  Cloudy with snow developing late in the day                                Hi  34

Wednesday:  Snow - 3-6"  but more to the north                                              Hi  temps falling into 20s

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening

                                            Statement as of 3:45 AM EST on February 08, 2010

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly has issued a Winter Storm Watch... which is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

Low pressure moving from the Texas Gulf Coast tonight will head into the Ohio Valley Tuesday. That low will give up its energy to a coastal storm... which will develop along the northern North
Carolina coast late Tuesday and Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, this nor/Easter is forecast to be intensifying strongly just southeast of our area... and likely bringing heavy snow to a
good part of our area through Wednesday and perhaps into Wednesday evening.

Far southern Delaware and extreme southeastern New Jersey may start out with mixed precipitation late Tuesday... and even change to rain at times Tuesday evening... but as colder air wraps around
the storm even these areas are expected to change back to snow.

There is a large potential for heavy snow for much of our area... but at this time the heaviest snow may fall over New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. There is also a potential for strong winds... especially near the coast.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is a potential for significant snow... sleet... or ice accumulations that may impact travel.  Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.
 

 SNOW IMPACTS BLOOD COLLECTIONS; PLATELET DONORS NEEDED

Closed Donor Centers and Blood Drives Leave Platelet Supply in Critical State

 The weekend snow storm closed nearly all blood collection operations over the weekend, and many more cancellations and low donor show rates are expected through the early part of this week. This has left the supply of platelets, a vital blood component used to treat cancer patients and trauma victims, at grave risk for shortage. Platelets last just 5 days on the shelf, so 2 days of lost collections mean that without an immediate response from the community, the platelet supply could be nearly depleted by the middle of this week. To help ensure that all patients receive the blood and platelets they need for survival, the GC&P Region is urging all eligible platelet donors to call 1-800-272-2123 to schedule an appointment. Donors who are type A or AB are needed for this special procedure, which can be performed at local donor centers.

From the Georgetown Police Department:

In anticipation of the pending snow event, the Town of Georgetown is requesting the following roadways be kept clear of parked vehicles commencing at 5:00 PM, Friday, February 5, 2010 until 8:00 AM, Monday, February 8, 2010:

EAST MARKET STREET
WEST MARKET STREET
NORTH BEDFORD STREET
SOUTH BEDFORD STREET
BRIDGEVILLE ROAD
NORTH FRONT STREET
SOUTH FRONT STREET
NORTH RACE STREET
SOUTH RACE STREET
EAST PINE STREET
WEST PINE STREET

This is to ensure that the Town of Georgetown and DelDot can plow these roadways without vehicle obstructions.

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From the Laurel Police Department:

All Laurel residents should remove their vehicles from the public roadways by 5pm this evening. Anyone with a private driveway or off the street parking is asked to use it so that snowplows can clear the roads. If you have questions can contact the public works at 302-875-2277.

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From the City of Seaford:

The city of Seaford is urging citizens to take precautions and safety measures.  When possible, we ask that residents park their vehicles off the roadways.  This will allow City crews to plow those particular areas with greater ease.  Both High and Pine Streets have been posted with no parking in certain areas, please pay close attention to postings on those streets.

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From the Milford Police Department:

The City of Milford, along with other jurisdictions are reminding residents that we will be enforcing the snow emergency routes along Routes 36, 14, and north and south walnut streets. Residents are reminded that the routes allow for no on-street parking beginning one hour after snowfall.

Residents with durable medical equipment, such as oxygen machines, etc, are encouraged to have alternative plans available ahead of the storm.

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From the State Veterinarian:

The Delaware Animal Response has been activated. That puts full animal emergency response into effect in the event of power outages or collapsed buildings during the storm. All SPCA offices and the state Veterinarian will be on alert for the possible need to care for displaced pets. If you need shelter for pets – call your local SPCA or 302-698-4500.