UPDATED: ALL Driving Restrictions Lifted Statewide Effective Immediately

February 24, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATED – 02/24/26 – 8am –  Delaware Governor Meyer has lifted all driving restrictions statewide effective immediately. There are no driving warnings or restrictions in Delaware at this time. Motorists are strongly urged to exercise caution as roadways may still have patches of ice and snow or may experience downed trees in some areas. Drivers should remain vigilant for black ice and proceed with caution when traveling over bridges that tend to freeze.

Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC). For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600. Visit the National Weather Service’s NWS) Winter Weather Dashboard for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

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UPDATED – 02/23/26 – 6:45pm – Delaware Governor Meyer has lifted the Level 1 Driving Warning in New Castle County, effective at 6:00 p.m. Motorists are strongly urged to exercise caution as roadways and intersections may still have snow in some areas. Drivers should proceed with caution when traveling over bridges that tend to freeze.

Kent and Sussex Counties remain at a Level 2 Driving Restriction.

  • Level 2 Driving Restriction – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 2 Driving Restriction has been activated, except for persons designated as essential personnel including operators of snow removal equipment employed, contracted by a public or private entity or designated persons already approved through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC). For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.

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UPDATED – 02/23/26 – 5:15pm – Kent and Sussex County Level 3 Driving Ban downgraded to Level 2 Driving Restriction.

 Level 2 Driving Restriction – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 2 Driving Restriction has been activated, except for persons designated as essential personnel including operators of snow removal equipment employed, contracted by a public or private entity or designated persons already approved through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

 New Castle County remains at a Level 1 Driving Warning

  • Level 1 Driving Warning – Avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution.

DEMA and partners are continuing efforts to recover from the snow and wind event last evening.

  • National Guard assets continue to assist Sussex and Kent counties
  • DelDOT continues snow removal operations statewide
    • Non-primary roads may be impassible due to abandoned vehicles, snow drift, downed trees and utility infrastructure
  • Delmarva Power and Delaware Electric Co-op are working to restore power to over 60,000 customers and have called in mutual aid from surrounding states

Residents should:

  • Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings
  • Check on elderly neighbors and those with access and functional needs/less abled individuals to ensure needs are being met
  • Create alternative plans such as a shelter or staying with someone within your personal support network
  • Keep gasoline powered devices outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows doors, and vents to avoid potential Carbon Monoxide poisoning

The shelters for Kent and Sussex Counties are located as follows: 

  • Kent County Shelter
    • Dover High School – 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, DE 19904
  • Sussex County Shelter
    • Sussex Central Middle School – 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947

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UPDATED – 02/23/26 – 12:15pm – The following changes to driving restrictions in the state of Delaware have been announced and shall take effect at 11:00 a.m.:

 New Castle County downgraded from a Level 2 Driving Restriction to a Level 1 Driving Warning – Avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution.

 The level 3 Driving Ban will remain in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties. These state-mandates will remain in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

  •  Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent and Sussex Counties – No person shall operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 3 Driving Ban has been activated, except for those persons designated as first responders, first informers, and essential personnel, including a “public utility”, operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity. All businesses, professional offices, organizations, entities, etc. shall be encouraged to take appropriate protective actions to protect their citizens, customers, and employees by termination of operations or shelter in place. An employer of a public or private entity shall not terminate, reprimand, discipline, or in any way commit any adverse employment action against as employee who, as a result of the activation of a Level 3 Driving Ban, fails or refuses to report to work during the pendency of the driving ban. Any person or entity in violation of an activated Level 3 Driving Ban may be penalized

 The shelters for Kent and Sussex Counties are located as follows:

Kent County Shelters:

  • Dover High School – 1 Dover High Drive, Dover, DE 19904

 Sussex County Shelters:

  • Sussex Central Middle School – 26026 Patriots Way, Georgetown, DE 19947

Additionally, the National Guard Assets have been reassigned from New Castle County to assist with emerging needs and aid in Kent and Sussex Counties.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. State of Delaware Driving Restrictions.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram 

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UPDATED – 02/23/26  9am – The level 3 Driving Ban is still in effect for Sussex and Kent County. New Castle County will remain in a level 2 Driving Restriction until further notice due to current road conditions. These state-mandates will remain in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

  • Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent & Sussex County – No person shall operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 3 Driving Ban has been activated, except for those persons designated as first responders, first informers, and essential personnel, including a “public utility”, operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity. All businesses, professional offices, organizations, entities, etc. shall be encouraged to take appropriate protective actions to protect their citizens, customers, and employees by termination of operations or shelter in place. An employer of a public or private entity shall not terminate, reprimand, discipline, or in any way commit any adverse employment action against as employee who, as a result of the activation of a Level 3 Driving Ban, fails or refuses to report to work during the pendency of the driving ban. Any person or entity in violation of an activated Level 3 Driving Ban may be penalized.  
  • Level 2 Driving Restriction for New Castle County – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 2 Driving Restriction has been activated, except for persons designated as essential personnel including operators of snow removal equipment employed, contracted by a public or private entity or designated persons already approved through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. State of Delaware Driving Restrictions.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram 

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UPDATED 02/23/26  7am –  DEMA and Sussex County Emergency Management urge motorists to stay off the roads. The level 3 Driving Ban is still in effect for Sussex County as most roads are impassible. This state-mandated Driving Ban will remain in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

  • Level 3 Driving Ban means no person shall operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 3 Driving Ban has been activated, except for those persons designated as first responders, first informers, and essential personnel, including a “public utility”, operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity. All businesses, professional offices, organizations, entities, etc. shall be encouraged to take appropriate protective actions to protect their citizens, customers, and employees by termination of operations or shelter in place. An employer of a public or private entity shall not terminate, reprimand, discipline, or in any way commit any adverse employment action against as employee who, as a result of the activation of a Level 3 Driving Ban, fails or refuses to report to work during the pendency of the driving ban. Any person or entity in violation of an activated Level 3 Driving Ban may be penalized.  

Additionally, Sussex County is experiencing a high number of power outages.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. State of Delaware Driving Restrictions.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram 

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UPDATED 02/23/26 12 AM 

Level 3 Driving Ban For Kent And Sussex Counties, Level 2 Driving Restriction For New Castle County Starting As of 10 PM

 

Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a Level 3 Driving Ban for Kent and Sussex Counties and Level 2 Driving Restrictions for New Castle County effective at 10 p.m. and continuing until further notice. This state-mandated Driving Ban will remain in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

 

  • Level 3 Driving Ban means no person shall operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 3 Driving Ban has been activated, except for those persons designated as first responders, first informers, and essential personnel, including a “public utility”, operators of snow removal equipment employed or contracted by a public or private entity. All businesses, professional offices, organizations, entities, etc. shall be encouraged to take appropriate protective actions to protect their citizens, customers, and employees by termination of operations or shelter in place. An employer of a public or private entity shall not terminate, reprimand, discipline, or in any way commit any adverse employment action against as employee who, as a result of the activation of a Level 3 Driving Ban, fails or refuses to report to work during the pendency of the driving ban. Any person or entity in violation of an activated Level 3 Driving Ban may be penalized.  

 

  • Level 2 Driving Restriction – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 2 Driving Restriction has been activated, except for persons designated as essential personnel including operators of snow removal equipment employed, contracted by a public or private entity or designated persons already approved through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

 

UPDATED – 02/22/26 – 8:50pm –  LEVEL 2 DRIVING RESTRICTIONS ISSUED FOR KENT AND SUSSEX COUNTIES EFFECTIVE AT 9 PM

Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex Counties effective at 9:00 p.m. until further notice.  These state-mandated Driving Restrictions will remain in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions.

  • Level 2 Driving Restriction for Kent and Sussex Counties – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways when a Level 2 Driving Restriction has been activated, except for persons designated as essential personnel including operators of snow removal equipment employed, contracted by a public or private entity or designated persons already approved through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.

Additionally, state offices will be closed in all three counties on Monday, February 23, 2026.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. State of Delaware Driving Restrictions.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram 

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ORIGINAL STORY – 02/22/26 – LEVEL 1 DRIVING WARNING IN EFFECT STATEWIDE

 *** Warning will remain until further notice

 Governor Matthew Meyer has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning statewide effective immediately to coincide with the State of Emergency.  This driving warning will remain until further notice and may be replaced by increased restrictions if road conditions worsen through the night. The restrictions are in place to keep emergency responders and other essential motorists safe by minimizing nonessential travel during severe weather and perilous road conditions. 

A Level 1 Driving Warning means: 

  1. Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. 
  2. Motorists are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. 

Code Purple Shelters are open 24 hours statewide. 

Code Purple Shelters provide emergency housing during severe winter weather to provide safe, warm overnight refuge, meals, and resources to unhoused populations. 

The shelters are located as follows: 

  • The Episcopal Church of Saint Andrew and Matthew: 719 N. Shipley St., Wilmington, DE 19801
  • First & Central Presbyterian Church: 1101 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Residents are being advised to: 

  • Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions. 
  • Visit NWS’ Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. 
  • Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. . Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app, which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions. 
  • Visit PrepareDE.org for full lists of emergency items for the home and car. 

The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. 

NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. 

Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area. 

 

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. 

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X and Instagram 

 

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