City of Wilmington Snow Frequently Asked Questions (Snow-Related Events)  

The City of Wilmington’s Department of Public Works has prepared this Frequently Asked  Questions guide to help residents understand how snow operations work and how everyone can  support safe, efficient snow‑removal efforts across the city.  

What does it mean that a road or street is “passable,” or “cleared?”  

"Passable" means that a road can be driven upon by most vehicles, but the road may still be snow  and ice covered. If motorists drive very slowly and carefully, they can be traveled on.  

The shoulders of the road, turn lanes and crossovers are likely not plowed if a road is classified  as passable.  

"Cleared" means a road is almost entirely free of snow or ice. There might still be a spot of snow  or ice that has re-formed, but for the most part, cleared roads can support normal traffic speeds.  

Where does the DPW get its weather information?  

We utilize weather forecasts and other weather-related information from the National Weather  Service and Accuweather Professional. They provide updates throughout snow events. We also  coordinate with State of Delaware officials and New Castle County Emergency Management.  

The City of Wilmington Office of Emergency Management also serves as a liaison to  communicate updates to DPW.  

How does DPW decide when to pre-treat roads in advance of a storm?  Multiple considerations go into deciding to pre-treat roads. We look at the amount of snow or  ice, how a storm is going to develop, the temperatures, and whether DelDOT has already treated  a road in the days before a storm.  

What does DPW use for pre-treating?  

We generally use a salt and water mixture called brine for pre-treating. Unlike salt, the brine  adheres to the roads better and will not be blown away.  

During the storm, road salt is used because the salt will adhere to the snow and ice to help with  melting.  

There are chances that if rain falls before snow, the brine and any salt used for pre-treating will  likely be washed away. When the temperatures fall below 26 degrees Fahrenheit, or snow  accumulates rapidly, snow melting materials are less effective and plowing becomes the primary  means of keeping roads passable. 

Who should I call if I need to travel by automobile due to an emergency situation and I am  snowed in?  

If you are facing an emergency and need to be transported, you should contact 911 immediately.  Our police, fire, and EMS services are equipped with support vehicles to help plow the roads  when responding to emergencies.  

How does DPW decide which roads and streets to plow first?  

DPW prioritizes snow emergency routes, hospital routes, primary streets, bus and school routes.  

This is vital to ensuring emergency personnel can access the various parts of the City of  Wilmington when responding to calls for service. These locations are also wider and allow for  DPW crews to stage equipment if we need to extract snow from the neighborhood or side streets.  

Is there a program by DPW that helps civic associations, homeowner associations, etc. pay  for plowing in subdivisions?  

Yes. You can find out more information by clicking here.  

What should I do if I have a power outage?  

Delmarva Power handles all electricity needs in Wilmington.  

Please report any downed wires immediately at 1-800-898-8042 and stay clear of all lines. You  can report outages and check status at Delmarva.com/ReportOutage.  

Does the City of Wilmington have overnight shelters for snow-related events?  During snow-related events, the City of Wilmington partners with Code Purple, the State of  Delaware, and the Red Cross to activate shelters should the need arise.  

Please check www.wilmingtonde.gov/snow to see if any shelters have been activated.  

It has been hours, and my street has not been plowed. When will a plow come down my  street?  

You can track the City’s snow efforts through the interactive mapping tool found here. The  online platform tracks vehicles assigned to a route for plowing and salting for the specific day of  a snow event. Color-coded information displays the status of the treated roadway in near real  time and refreshes every 15 minutes.  

When a storm operation is underway, we do not review individual plowing or spreading requests.  After the storm operation ends, individual complaints will be reviewed. The following types of  requests will not be completed:  

• Snowy or icy alleys, private streets, or private parking lots  
• Snow blocking access to vehicles, sidewalks, or driveways, even if it was caused by city  plowing.  

Does DPW use an independent contractor to help with snow removal? 

Yes. We assess every storm as it progresses and make decisions on whether we need to activate  our standby independent contractors.  

I noticed that during snow events, sanitation pickup is often delayed or canceled. Why does  that happen?  

Yes. The Sanitation division makes up one half of the City's snow plowing crews; the other half  is the Street Cleaning division. This means that we often use the crews responsible for picking up  trash, as well as being plow drivers.  

All drivers received the special training to drive snowplows.  

Does DPW clear sidewalks?  

We do not clear sidewalks. Property owners and residents are responsible for the sidewalks  adjacent to their property. Property owners and/or tenant are urged to clear a 36-inch path on all  sidewalks in front of their properties within six hours after the snow has stopped even if the  establishment is temporarily closed due to snow.  

Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal because it is unsafe and harms  and slows down city plowing operations. Commercial establishments (including apartment  buildings) may be fined.  

Does DPW clear alleys and driveways?  

We do not plow alleys or driveways unless they are used for sanitation pickup. However, this is  the absolute last location to be plowed.  

My car has been plowed in with snow. Who do I call to help get my car out? 

We apologize, but plows are focused on the streets, and the snow does tip to the side during  plowing. Car owners should try to park in driveways or garages if possible. We know that many  will not be able to park off the street. But vehicle owners are responsible for shoveling their own  vehicles. 

Please help your neighbors who may be elderly or have mobility challenges. We know that  working together, we can dig out of the storm effectively.  

Where do I put the snow I shovel from the sidewalk, or clear off my car? 

Try to find a safe spot to deposit snow while shoveling.  

Do not shovel or plow snow into the street. This practice is illegal because it is unsafe and harms  and slows down city plowing operations. Commercial establishments (including apartment  buildings) may be fined.  

What can a resident or business do to assist with snow removal?  

You can assist by preparing well. Stock up on crucial items, check in on your family, friends, and  vulnerable population. Be sure to swiftly clear snow and ice off the sidewalks as quickly and  safely as possible. Stay away from dangerous situations.  

Stay off the road. Avoid all unnecessary travel. If driving is required, check traffic apps to ensure  your route is passable.  

If my property is damaged by a snowplow, what should I do?  

Public Works takes every reasonable precaution to minimize or prevent any damage to public or  private property during any of its operations. However, if your property was damaged, please call  The City of Wilmington Risk Management at (302) 576-2471.