Snow and Ice: Morning commute for northern Delaware expected to be slick

Round two of rain, snow and sleet could lead to a treacherous commute on Tuesday morning. 

An additional 3 inches of snow could be on your driveway by Tuesday morning if you live in New Castle County, forecasters predict. The northern county is on a winter weather advisory until Tuesday at 6 p.m.

By daybreak, the snow will shift to rain, leaving an icy layer on the freshly fallen snow, National Weather Service meteorologist Jonathan O'Brien said. 

O'Brien recommends watching out for icy patches on walkways and roads on your way into work or school. 

The Delaware Department of Transportation said plows were out all day Monday, clearing and treating roadways. A crew of about 350 employees were scheduled for overnight to make sure major roads are clear Tuesday morning, CR McLeod of DelDOT said. 

However, patches of ice could linger on secondary roads and sidewalks.

"It is worrisome," he said. "We encourage everyone to pay attention to the conditions and to use extra caution on the road."

Monday night's wintry mix in Kent County should be all rain by early Tuesday, following a total snow accumulation of about 2 inches. 

Precipitation in Sussex County will remain in the form of rain through Wednesday. 

Flooding in small streams and low-lying roads could be a problem later in the week, O'Brien said. 

Snowfall on Monday prompted most New Castle County schools to close and local governments to open late. Totals by 4 p.m. reached an average of 2.6 inches throughout the county. Port Penn saw the most snow with 3 inches. 

Icy roads: Schools, state offices opening late due to winter weather

How does Delaware get rid of snow? What you need to know

Here's what else you need to know: 

Northern Delaware

Advisories 

A winter weather advisory is now in effect until noon on Tuesday for New Castle and Kent counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Precipitation: 

Monday night: Rain, snow and sleet before 1 a.m., then snow, freezing rain, and sleet between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., then rain, freezing rain, and sleet after 4 a.m. Low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday: Rain, freezing rain and sleet, becoming all rain after 10 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Tuesday night: Rain, mainly before 5 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of rain before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Temperatures: 

Monday: High 35, low 31

Tuesday: High 44, low 36

Wednesday: High 41, low 29

Watch out for: 

• A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
• The wintry precipitation is also expected to impact the Tuesday morning commute.
• Rain could be heavy at times Tuesday and Tuesday evening, with localized flooding possible.

Southern Delaware

Advisories

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday for the inland portions of Sussex County. 

Precipitation: 

Monday night: Rain. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tuesday: Rain. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tuesday night: Rain, mainly before 4 a.m. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Wednesday: A slight chance of rain before 7 a.m., then a slight chance of showers between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Temperatures: 

Monday: High 37, low 34

Tuesday: High 54, low 40

Wednesday: High 47, low 32

Watch out for: 

• A Winter Weather Advisory means that periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving.
• Rain could be heavy at times Tuesday and Tuesday evening, with localized flooding possible.

Tips for driving in snow/ice:

AAA MidAtlantic has the following tips for driving in the snow and ice: 

• Remove all snow from vehicle, including roof, hood, and trunk. 
• Slow down. 
• Do not tailgate.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Minimize the need to brake on ice. 
• Give road crews plenty of room to do their job safely.
• Slow down and move over when you see police, EMS and roadside assistance teams helping motorists on the side of the road.