UPDATED: Snow Emergency Routes and More as Lewes Monitors Winter Storm

February 22, 2026/Mari Lou

UPDATED – 02/22/26 6pm – The City of Lewes continues to prepare for the winter storm already impacting our area currently. In collaboration with the Lewes Board of Public Works as well as
community partners, City Leadership have been closely monitoring and will continue to work with our community partners to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. The Lewes Police Department, the City Maintenance Department, and the Lewes Fire Department have been working diligently and safely to protect the residents of Lewes during this storm. Updates to the city’s storm preparation will be posted to the City of Lewes website as well as on the City of Lewes, Lewes Board of Public Works, Lewes Police Department, and Lewes Fire Department Facebook pages.
Because of recent storm tracking changes the City of Lewes has made additional adjustments.
  • City and Board of Public Works offices will be closed Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Waste and recycling collection previously delayed one day will now be collected Wednesday, February 25, 2026 and Thursday, February 26, 2026. This means if your normal collection day is Monday your trash and recycling will be collected Wednesday, February 25, 2026 and if your normal collection day is Tuesday your trash and recycling will be collected Thursday, February 26, 2026.  Please do not place your waste or recycling bins on the roadways or sidewalks during the snowstorm.
  • Snow emergency routes remain effective at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026. During this time, parking vehicles on any street designated as a Snow Emergency Route is strictly prohibited.

Residents who live along these streets MUST move their vehicles prior to 6:00 p.m. to allow City
staff to safely, efficiently, and thoroughly clear snow from the roadways.

  • Cedar Avenue 
  • Dewey Avenue 
  • Kings Highway – From City Limits to Savannah Road 
  • Ocean View Boulevard – West Fourth Street to Canary Drive 
  • Savannah Road – From City Limits to Cape Henlopen Drive 
  • Second Street 
  • West Fourth Street – From New Road to Savannah Road

For any non-emergency, safety concerns, please contact the Lewes Police Department at (302) 645-6264. All emergency calls, dial 911.

In addition to hazardous roadway conditions, severe weather may result in utility service interruptions. If you experience a power outage, please contact the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW) at (302) 645-6228. Avoid travel if possible and stay clear of downed power lines and tree limbs, as well as areas prone to flooding.

The City of Lewes Maintenance Department will be working diligently to ensure safe conditions for both vehicular and pedestrian travel. The City of Lewes will be relaxing the requirement to clear sidewalks and walkways of snow and ice from 24 hours to 48 hours after the after the end of the snowfall/ice event. The snow from this event will be very heavy and much more difficult to move.  Please exercise extreme care when shoveling. The City of Lewes anticipates a delay in the opening of public restrooms throughout the city. Staff will open public spaces when conditions are safe to do so.

The City of Lewes encourages all residents to look out for one another. Consider checking in on your neighbors, especially seniors, individuals living alone, and those who may need extra assistance. A phone call, text message, or knock on the door can make a meaningful difference during these types of severe weather events. As important storm updates are issued, please share this information with your neighbors who may not have access to email, social media, or emergency alerts.

The City of Lewes will continue to monitor weather conditions, and updates will be posted on the city website www.ci.lewes.de.us and on the Facebook pages of the City of Lewes, Lewes Board of Public Works, the Lewes Police Department, and the Lewes Fire Department.

Again, thank you for helping keep Lewes safe!

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ORIGINAL STORY – 02/21/26 – In anticipation of the winter storm, forecasted to begin Sunday, February 22, 2026, the City of Lewes and the Board of Public Works are working in coordination with our community partners to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors. Below are some important reminders in advance of this severe weather event.
 
Waste and recycling collection scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026, will be moved to Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and Tuesday collection will be moved to Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Please do not place your waste or recycling bins on the roadways or sidewalks during the snowstorm.
 
Below is a list of the designated snow emergency routes throughout the city. A city snow emergency will take effect at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026. During this time, parking vehicles on any street designated as a Snow Emergency Route is strictly prohibited. Residents who live along these streets MUST move their vehicles prior to 6:00 p.m. to allow City staff to safely, efficiently, and thoroughly clear snow from the roadways.
 
In addition to hazardous roadway conditions, severe weather may result in utility service interruptions. If you experience a power outage, please contact the Lewes Board of Public Works (BPW) at (302) 645-6228. Avoid travel if possible and stay clear of downed power lines and tree limbs, as well as areas with flooding.
 
The City of Lewes Maintenance Department will be working diligently to ensure safe conditions for both vehicular and pedestrian travel. As a reminder to residents and property owners, sidewalks and walkways must be clear of snow and ice within 24 hours after the end of the snowfall/ice event. Please note, there will likely be a delay in the opening of public restrooms throughout the city. Staff will evaluate each location to determine if conditions are safe to open.
 
Finally, as our community prepares for this winter storm, we encourage all residents to look out for one another. Please consider checking in on neighbors, especially seniors, individuals living alone, and those who may need extra assistance. A simple phone call, text message, or knock on the door can make a meaningful difference during severe weather. If you receive important storm updates, we also encourage you to share that information with neighbors who may not have access to email, social media, or emergency alerts. Let’s continue to show what makes our community strong: neighbors helping neighbors.
 
The city will continue to monitor weather conditions, and updates will be posted on the city’s website www.ci.lewes.de.us and our Facebook page.
 
Thank you for helping keep Lewes safe and supported.

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