Newark expected to get 3 inches of snow today

The Newark area could receive up to 3 inches of snow today, forcasters say.

The snow began falling shortly before 1 p.m. and is expected to increase in intensity throughout the day before tapering off overnight.

Newark is expected to miss the worst of the storm, which could dump up to foot of snow in southern Maryland and eastern Virginia. Southern Delaware is bracing for up to 7 inches by tonight

Forcasters say the storm's turn toward the north will bring the state more snow that originally predicted.

Delaware Department of Transportation crews have been out all morning preparing roads for the storm, though the colder-than-normal temperatures are hampering efforts.

"Because of the low temperatures, the salt is less effective, so we are mixing in a great deal of sand," DelDOT spokesman Jim Westhoff said in a statement early Wednesday afternoon. "When we get about 2 inches of accumulation on the roads, we'll put down the blades and start plowing. For now, it's more important to get down the salt and sand."

Crews are mostly concentrated in Kent and Sussex counties. In New Castle County, they are focusing mainly on bridges, which ice over before roads, Westhoff said.

State police say there have been 24 accidents statewide today, none with injuries. Still, police are urging the public to stay off the roads.

"Please do not drive anywhere today unless you absolutely have to," Cpl. Bruce Harris, spokesman for the Delaware State Police said in a statement. "We don't want any bad accidents today. Having more cars on the road makes it difficult for the emergency responders, and the crews trying to plow the roads." 

The area's last significant snowfall came Dec. 19 when a nor'easter dumped 16 inches on Newark.