Winter Survival Guide: Tips for snow days, shoveling, sledding, driving & more
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
That's a lyric from "Subterranean Homesick Blues'' by Bob Dylan, and as I write this, it's more like, "You just have to stick the tip of your nose outside to know it's winter.'' (It's 35 degrees.)
Winter these days is a relative term, however. Sure, it's still a bona fide season and all that. Last time we checked, we still have four of those. But weather in a Delaware winter can swing wildly between 73 degrees and sunny and 18 degrees and slushy, and everything in between.
Will we get snow this winter? Some predications have called for an end to our snow drought. But whether that happens or not, we are no doubt down for some cold, blustery days, a Nor'easter or two, maybe some sleet or ice.
With that in mind, we are gathering all of our winter content in one cozy spot for your one-stop convenience. We'll add as we go.
Enjoy the season and be safe out there.
Is winter making you sad? What to know about seasonal depression symptoms, treatment, more
With daylight saving time in the rearview and cold weather in full swing, you might have a case of the winter blues.
The seasons change, your daily routine is impacted and suddenly you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning or can’t seem to enjoy the things you used to.
If you have been wondering whether there’s a scientific reason for this or a medical diagnosis to be had, there is — and you could be experiencing a type of depression linked to the changing of the seasons.
Here's what to know and how to get help.
Let it snow? Here is the seasonal weather outlook for Delaware
With the beginning of winter, many may be wondering: How much snow will we get this year?
Last winter, Delaware barely received any snow, but predictions say it may be somewhat of the opposite this winter.
Although Delaware has already had some snow flurries, here are the predictions for how winter is supposed to go this season.
How to prepare for winter weather
From gutters to drafts, our guide to prepping for colder weather will keep you from being unprepared ahead of the next deep freeze or big storm.
You'll find a checklist of everything from insulation to avoid drafts and keep your heating bills down, to snow blowing maintenance.
Delaware's drought is over. How to deal with snow, cold temperatures
After 674 days, Delaware's snow drought finally ended.
The state received more than an inch of snow Monday for the first time since March 12, 2022. Delaware is projected to receive about 3 inches of snow before the weather system move out the the area.
Now that the white stuff is here, we have to deal with it and the cold temperatures until temperatures warming up next week. Here are some tips on how to deal with snow.
Winter emergency car prep: What to keep in your car, check before driving this winter
Although Delaware doesn’t get as much wintry precipitation as some other states, it’s still a good idea to have a winter emergency kit stored in your car to help you during emergencies.
Sometimes it’s as simple as having an extra phone charger in the car or keeping a pair of comfortable shoes in the back in case you break down. Either way, you don’t want to wind up stuck on the side of the road without any handy supplies.
Whether you’re doing a routine commute to work or taking a road trip elsewhere this season, stocking your car with the necessary safety essentials and useful items could end up being a lifesaver during an emergency.
If you need a few pointers, here’s what’s recommended to keep you and your passengers safe while driving during the winter (and year-round).
How to stay safe when driving in winter in Delaware
It's been a few years since we've had significant snowfall.
Watch our video to learn how to remain safe on the roads during winter weather.
Wondering why your street didn't get snowplowed? Our guide to snow removal in Delaware
Maybe you’re waiting for snowplows to finally reach your neighborhood during a snowstorm. Or perhaps you’re wondering why the roads weren’t pre-treated.
Whatever the case may be, it's important to remember that the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) follows specific protocol for salting areas throughout Delaware and removing snow on major and minor roadways.
Whether you’re wondering why your development doesn’t get plowed or when snowplows are sent out, here’s everything you need to know about snow removal in Delaware, according to DelDOT.
Check out these Delaware sledding possibilities next snowy day
When it comes to snow days, there are a few things to take off the edge.
Building snowpeople can eat up some time — until the fingertips are nearly frostbitten. Snowball fights are great — unless you're playing with the neighborhood bully who dips the balls in water.
Here are a few ways to go sledding: play by the rules and go to one of Delaware's local parks where there are dedicated trails for sledding that are open until sunset or check out the run-of-the-mill hills where you can go whenever you want with a chance you might be chased off.
How to survive a snow day in Delaware with your children
It's two of the most dreaded words for parents — snow day.
Children are home from school, snow is preventing people from driving around the area and, even if you could go out, there isn't much open.
Many Delaware schools are closed Tuesday after the area was hit with its first substantial snowfall since 2022. The snow day also comes on the heels of a three-day weekend and roughly two weeks since winter break ended.
For parents wondering what to do with their kids — and possibly a few of their friends — here are a few suggestions to get you through the day.
How long do you have to shovel the sidewalk? Here are answers to Delaware snow questions
Delaware received its first substantial snowfall in 22 months this week.
Given the amount of time between snowfalls, it's not hard to imagine that many First State residents have forgotten the rules and regulations for snow removal from driveways, cars or sidewalks, along with other winter rules.
Prepare your home for cold temps, winter with these tips
As you swap your holiday clothes for cold gear, make sure your home gets a seasonal revamp ahead of the cold months ahead, too.
To ensure your house remains warm and toasty during the cold months, and avoid cold weather disasters, here are tips to get your abode prepared for and protected throughout winter.
How to save energy and money this winter in Delaware and where to go for help
Price hikes on energy utilities have been anticipated for months now. Luckily, there are measures Delawareans can take to protect their homes. Not only improving energy efficiency but also saving money in the process.
Here are some of the programs that can help Delawareans save money and energy.
Freezing temperatures are on the way to Delaware. Avoid frozen pipes with these tips
Cold weather isn’t just a nuisance for you. It can wreak havoc on your home, too, if you aren’t careful.
With winter temperatures giving Delaware a taste of below-freezing nighttime lows, and the potential for storms throughout the season, it’s important to prepare your pipes for the cold weather to prevent damage and ensure they remain functional.
Plumbing and meters located in outdoor or underground spaces are especially susceptible to the cold, and repairing broken plumbing can be costly, according to Veolia, a water, energy and waste management service.
Here’s everything you need to know, from Veolia, about protecting the pipes in your home.
Want to have some fun on a budget? Here are cheap winter activities in, around Delaware
Winter can be a difficult time to find fun activities to do and weekend plans to keep your social calendar full, especially after a holiday season filled with spending a hefty amount of money on food, gifts and travel.
Maybe you have relatives in town that need to be entertained, kids on holiday break from school or are simply looking for something to do that won’t break the bank.
Whatever your reasoning is, we’ve got you covered with a list of low-cost fun in and around Delaware that’s cheap enough to keep your wallet happy but still fun enough to dispel looming boredom.
Details on the next full moon, the wolf moon, and what to look forward to in February
New year, new month, and now a new full moon to look forward to.
Whether you missed the last full moon or are on a roll with your stargazing, here’s what you need to know about January’s full moon.
Poinsettia cocktails, hot butterbeer and more: Drinks that will warm you up this winter
Christmas is over, which means we’re headed into the coldest – and what feels like the longest – month of the year.
While January may have you down in the dumps, these homemade cozy winter cocktails (and mocktails) can brighten your spirits.
At the very least, they’ll warm you up!
What is Oleato? Starbucks' winter menu includes coffee with olive oil
The holidays are over and while the doldrums of winter approach, there is something to look forward to — Starbucks' winter menu, which will include Oleato.
The winter menu launches Tuesday, Jan. 2, with the oleato beverages launching Tuesday, Jan. 30.
It's Hot Cocoa Day! How to warm up with a tasty beverage
It's the ultimate cold weather warm up, and we've got a guide to where to find it in Delaware, as well as how to whip some up at home.
Enjoy!
Delaware is a top state for birdwatching. See tips on seeds, feeders, places to visit
Local birdwatching experts say the First State is one of the best places in the world for the hobby, and even the birdwatching movie “The Big Year” has a Delaware connection.
Delaware has a variety of habitats: fields, forests, marshy wetlands, coastal areas, lots of plains and more hilly terrain in the northern part of the state.
But you don’t have to travel at all to start birdwatching. It can be a hobby to enjoy right at home by putting up a feeder and looking out the window to see nature’s show, as birds flutter and sometimes squirrels scurry for the seeds.
Top hidden vacation spots in Delaware you should visit this winter, what to do
Whether you’re staying in town for the holidays or looking for some local winter fun off the beaten path, don’t overlook these top underrated winter vacation spots in Delaware.
Family Destinations Guide surveyed 3,000 travelers to find out which winter vacation destinations people may be overlooking, and out of the top 150 responses, three locations in Delaware were featured.
So if you find yourself traveling through the Small Wonder this winter, or just need some new local hangouts to explore, give these hidden gems a chance.
Did you get your Winter pink Starbucks x Stanley cup at Target? Where to buy in Delaware
They're pink and the latest must-have consumer fad.
Winter pink Starbucks x Stanley cups are flying off the shelves at Targets throughout the country at dizzying speeds and in some cases becoming a hot commodity on eBay and Mercari.
The limited edition 40-ounce quenchers were released on Wednesday and have quickly been selling out leading to an after-market run on third-party e-commerce sites.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Winter is here. What to know for car, home, fun, budget, health
