The State of Delaware has declared a State of Emergency as a powerful winter storm approaches the region, mobilizing state and local agencies to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. In response, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate preparations and response efforts across the state.

Governor Matt Meyer emphasized the importance of readiness as this system moves in, saying that Delawareans should feel secure and well supported as severe winter weather conditions develop.

What the Declaration Means

A State of Emergency gives state leaders the authority to streamline decision-making and resource deployment, improve coordination with local governments and emergency responders, and position personnel and equipment strategically ahead of the storm. The EOC activation brings key agencies together to share data, track impacts in real time, and ensure rapid communication on public safety actions.

Expected Weather and Conditions

Forecasters are tracking a strong winter system expected to bring heavy snow, a wintry mix, and significant icing across much of Delaware. Snow totals could reach near a foot in some areas, with the exact amounts depending on storm track and temperature changes. After the storm’s passage, temperatures are projected to plunge into the teens and low 20s, increasing the risk of slick conditions and prolonged cold.

This system is part of a larger winter storm affecting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, with similar emergency declarations and warnings issued in neighboring states as snow and ice threaten travel and infrastructure.

Preparedness Actions Urged for Residents

Officials are urging Delaware residents to take proactive steps now to prepare for potential disruptions:

• Stock up on essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, prescription medicines, and pet needs.
• Prepare your home for extended cold by checking heating systems, weatherproofing doors and windows, and ensuring fuel supplies are adequate.
• Assemble emergency kits for vehicles and households with flashlights, batteries, blankets, first-aid kits, and a battery-powered weather radio.
• Avoid nonessential travel when conditions worsen. If travel is necessary, leave extra time, go slowly, and carry emergency gear in your vehicle.

DEMA also reminds residents to dress appropriately outdoors in layers and take measures to prevent cold-related health issues like hypothermia and frostbite.

What to Watch For

Officials warn that travel could become dangerous or impossible at times during the storm, particularly on Sunday and into early next week. Power outages and hazardous road conditions are possible, especially where heavier snow and ice accumulate.

State and local partners will continue monitoring conditions, issuing updates through emergency alerts, social media, and official channels. Residents should stay tuned to local forecasts and guidance from DEMA, the National Weather Service, and transportation authorities.

..WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and mixed precipitation expected. Total snow 
  accumulations between 8 and 12 inches and ice accumulations around 
  three tenths of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of central and northern Delaware, northeast 
  Maryland, southern New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 1 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree 
  limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Power 
  outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be 
  nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the 
  Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for 
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST 
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow with mixed precipitation expected. Total snow 
  accumulations between 6 and 10 inches and ice accumulations around 
  one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of southern Delaware and southern New Jersey.

* WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 7 AM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Monday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for 
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect tonight across the Delmarva Peninsula as a dangerous surge of arctic air settles into the region. Mostly clear skies combined with strong winds will allow temperatures to fall rapidly after sunset, creating life-threatening cold conditions overnight into early Saturday morning.

Overnight lows are expected to range between 6 and 12 degrees, but north winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph will dramatically increase the cold impact. As a result, wind chill values are expected to fall below zero across much of Delmarva, with several locations dropping into the -5 to -10 degree range by the pre-dawn hours.

The coldest wind chills are expected across interior sections of the peninsula, while coastal areas will still experience bitter conditions despite some marine influence. These wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, especially with prolonged exposure.

Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers including hats and gloves, and ensure pets are brought indoors. Exposed pipes should be protected, and those relying on supplemental heating should use it safely. Power outages are not expected to be widespread, but strong gusts could lead to isolated issues.

Conditions will slowly improve after sunrise Saturday, though temperatures will remain well below normal, and cold weather precautions will remain necessary throughout the day.

Stay weather aware and prepared for hazardous cold conditions across the Delmarva region tonight.

A complex and potentially high-impact winter storm is expected to affect the Mid-Atlantic this weekend, bringing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Saturday into Monday. While confidence is increasing that much of the region will be impacted, significant uncertainty remains regarding exact precipitation types and totals due to a difficult forecast setup involving strong warm air advection overriding very cold surface temperatures.

This setup raises the risk for not only accumulating snow, but also dangerous icing, particularly across parts of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Snowfall Forecast Overview

The heaviest snowfall is expected across northern and western portions of the region, where colder air is more firmly established.

Across northern Maryland, including areas such as Frederick, Westminster, Bel Air, Baltimore, and Wilmington, snowfall totals of 8 to 12 inches are possible by the time the storm concludes.

Farther south and east, including Washington, Annapolis, Easton, Dover, and much of central Maryland and Delaware, snow totals are expected to range between 5 and 10 inches. Snowfall amounts begin to decrease closer to the coast as warmer air aloft works into the region.

Along the immediate coast and across portions of southern Delmarva, including Salisbury, Ocean City, and Pocomoke City, snowfall totals are forecast to range from 4 to 8 inches, with lower amounts of 3 to 6 inches possible for coastal Virginia locations such as Chincoteague, Exmore, and Cape Charles.

Significant Ice Threat Also Expected

In addition to snow, portions of the Mid-Atlantic face a serious icing risk due to periods of freezing rain and sleet.

Areas shaded in darker purple on the ice forecast indicate significant icing, where ice accretion of one quarter inch or greater is possible, along with 1 to 3 inches of sleet. This includes parts of central Maryland, the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and portions of interior Delaware.

Surrounding areas shown in lighter pink could still see impactful icing, with less than one quarter inch of ice accumulation and 1 to 2 inches of sleet possible. Even lighter ice amounts can cause hazardous travel, downed tree limbs, and isolated power outages.

Why This Forecast Is So Difficult

This storm is particularly challenging to forecast due to strong warm air advection aloft, which allows warmer air to surge over top of a shallow layer of arctic air locked in at the surface. This creates a narrow and highly sensitive transition zone between snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Small changes in temperature, storm track, or precipitation intensity could lead to sharp gradients in impacts over short distances. As a result, precipitation types and totals may vary significantly from one location to another, even within the same county.

Travel and Infrastructure Impacts

The combination of heavy snow and ice could lead to dangerous travel conditions throughout the weekend. Roads may quickly become snow covered or ice glazed, especially during periods of freezing rain. Ice accumulation also increases the risk of downed trees and power lines, which could result in scattered power outages.

Residents should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and possible travel disruptions.

How to Prepare

Residents across the Mid-Atlantic are urged to take preparation steps now, ahead of the storm:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.
• Keep an emergency kit ready with flashlights, batteries, food, water, and medications.
• Charge electronic devices ahead of time in case of power outages.
• Check on elderly neighbors and those with limited mobility.
• If you must travel, keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle including blankets, food, and a fully charged phone.
• Monitor the latest forecasts and updates, as adjustments to snow and ice totals are likely.

Bottom Line

This weekend’s winter storm has the potential to bring heavy snow, significant icing, and hazardous travel conditions across much of the Mid-Atlantic. While confidence is high that the region will be impacted, the exact nature of those impacts remains uncertain due to the complex interaction between warm air aloft and very cold surface temperatures.

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware and prepared as the forecast continues to evolve over the coming days.

…COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT TO 10
AM EST SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Very cold wind chills as low as 8 below expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, northern, and southern Delaware,
northeast Maryland, central, northern, and southern New Jersey,
and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN…From midnight Friday Night to 10 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…The cold wind chills as low as 8 below zero could result
in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and
hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these
temperatures. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with
prolonged exposure.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a
hat, and gloves.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

A significant winter storm is expected to impact the Mid-Atlantic this weekend, beginning late Saturday and continuing through Monday. The storm is forecast to bring a wide range of winter weather impacts across the region, including heavy snowfall, mixed precipitation, and areas of freezing rain, particularly across Delmarva and southern portions of Maryland and New Jersey.

Snowfall Outlook

The heaviest snowfall is expected across northern and western portions of the region. Much of northern Maryland, including areas such as Frederick, Westminster, Baltimore, Bel Air, and Gaithersburg, along with northern Delaware and southern New Jersey, could see widespread snowfall totals of 12 to 18 inches. Wilmington, Vineland, and surrounding communities also fall within this higher-impact zone.

Snow totals decrease moving south and east toward the Chesapeake Bay and coastal plain. Central Maryland locations such as Annapolis and Chestertown are forecast to receive 8 to 14 inches of snow. Areas farther south, including Easton, Cambridge, La Plata, and Lexington Park, are currently forecast to receive 6 to 12 inches.

Across southern Delmarva and the lower Eastern Shore, snowfall amounts are expected to be lower due to warmer air and a greater risk of mixing. Salisbury is forecast to receive 5 to 10 inches, while Ocean City, Pocomoke City, Chincoteague, Exmore, and Cape Charles are expected to see between 3 and 6 inches of snow.

Ice and Mixed Precipitation Concerns

In addition to snowfall, icing is a major concern for parts of the region. A corridor of significant icing is possible across southern and central Delmarva, including areas such as Georgetown, Salisbury, Ocean City, Pocomoke City, Chincoteague, and Cape Charles. These areas could experience up to a quarter inch of freezing rain, along with the potential for sleet accumulations exceeding one half inch. This could lead to hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages.

Farther north, including parts of northern Maryland, northern Delaware, and southern New Jersey, lighter icing is possible. These areas may see up to a tenth of an inch of freezing rain, along with periods of sleet, mainly during transitions between snow and rain.

Impacts and Timing

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly late Saturday night as precipitation overspreads the region. The most significant impacts are likely to occur Sunday into early Monday, when snowfall rates may become heavy at times and icing issues increase across southern areas. The combination of heavy snow, ice accumulation, and gusty winds could lead to dangerous road conditions and scattered power outages.

Weather First will continue to monitor this evolving storm closely. While confidence is increasing in a high-impact winter weather event, exact snow and ice totals may still shift depending on the storm track and temperature profile.

Residents are urged to prepare now, review travel plans, and stay tuned for forecast updates as the weekend approaches.

A dangerous surge of Arctic air is expected to spread across the Mid-Atlantic region late this week and persist into early February, bringing some of the coldest conditions of the winter season so far. Forecast confidence continues to increase that this will be a prolonged and impactful cold stretch rather than a brief cold snap.

An Arctic front is forecast to move through the region this weekend, allowing frigid air to pour southward into Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and surrounding areas. Temperatures are expected to fall sharply behind the front, with daytime highs struggling well below normal and overnight lows dropping into the teens and single digits in many locations. Some inland and higher elevation areas may fall even colder.

Strong winds accompanying the Arctic air will significantly worsen conditions by driving wind chills into dangerous territory. Wind chill values are expected to drop below zero at times across parts of the Mid-Atlantic, especially overnight and during the early morning hours. These conditions can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in a short amount of time and increase the risk of hypothermia for anyone spending extended periods outdoors.

The cold is expected to linger well beyond the weekend. Forecast trends indicate much below normal temperatures continuing through the end of January and into early February, with a heightened risk of hazardous cold conditions returning in waves. This suggests limited opportunities for meaningful warmups during this period.

The prolonged nature of the cold raises concerns for frozen pipes, increased energy demand, and stress on infrastructure. Any power outages that occur during this time could quickly become dangerous due to the sustained cold. Pets, livestock, and outdoor plumbing will need protection as temperatures remain well below seasonal averages.

Residents across the Mid-Atlantic should prepare now for an extended stretch of winter cold. Cold weather safety precautions are strongly encouraged, including limiting time outdoors, dressing in layers, protecting exposed skin, and ensuring adequate heating is available.

Additional updates will be provided as the timing and severity of the cold become more refined.

Confidence continues to grow that a significant winter storm will impact much of the Mid Atlantic, including the Delmarva Peninsula, beginning Saturday night and potentially lasting into Monday. While there is still uncertainty regarding the exact track and where the heaviest snowfall sets up, the overall signal for a high impact event continues to strengthen.

A developing area of low pressure is expected to organize near the Texas Gulf Coast on Saturday. This system will be fueled by several pieces of upper level energy diving south into the base of a persistent long wave trough dominating much of the continental United States. As these upper level disturbances interact and begin to phase Saturday night into Sunday, surface low pressure is expected to deepen while tracking east through the southeastern states and then turning north and east toward the Virginia coastline by late Sunday.

Forecast guidance has continued to trend northward with the track of the low, largely due to improved phasing of the upper level energy. While this trend increases confidence that the storm will affect the region, it also introduces uncertainty regarding snowfall totals and precipitation type, particularly for southern and coastal locations.

At this time, confidence is high that much of the region will see moderate to heavy snowfall. Probabilities for six inches or more of snow have increased significantly, ranging from around 60 percent in the southern Poconos to as high as 80 to 90 percent near and south of the I 95 urban corridor. Many areas also have the potential to receive over one inch of liquid equivalent precipitation, which supports the potential for impactful snow totals.

Snow is expected to break out across the region late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Temperatures will be cold enough at the onset for all snow, with overnight lows dropping into the single digits across northern areas and into the teens to near 20 degrees across Delmarva. These cold temperatures should initially support efficient snow accumulation.

Snow is likely to continue through the day Sunday and may fall heavy at times, especially as northeast winds increase, particularly along the coast. Late Sunday into Sunday night, there is the potential for some mixing across southern portions of the region, including Delmarva and parts of southern New Jersey, and possibly as far north as the Philadelphia area if the low tracks close enough to the coast. Given the strength of the arctic high pressure to the north and the entrenched cold air mass, plain rain appears less likely. Any mixing would more likely involve sleet or freezing rain rather than a full changeover to rain.

If mixing does occur, a return to all snow is expected later Sunday night into early Monday as colder air reasserts itself and the system begins to pull away. Precipitation should gradually taper off across the region during the day Monday.

While confidence has increased that this will be a significant winter storm, uncertainty remains regarding where the heaviest snowfall ultimately falls. Just 24 hours ago, the primary concern was whether the storm would pass far enough south to largely miss the area. Now, the focus has shifted to whether the track becomes far enough north to introduce mixing for southern and coastal locations.

As is often the case with large winter storms, the corridor of heaviest snowfall is typically narrow, sometimes only 100 miles wide. Areas southeast of this axis may experience more mixing or lower snow totals, while areas northwest may see lighter precipitation. Because of this, it will likely take another one to two forecast cycles to better resolve where any potential blockbuster snowfall sets up within the region.

Residents across Delmarva and the surrounding Mid Atlantic should closely monitor forecast updates over the coming days, as even small shifts in the storm track could have a significant impact on snowfall totals and overall impacts.

Confidence continues to increase in the development of a significant winter storm that is expected to impact a large portion of the central and eastern United States beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend. This system has the potential to produce a wide swath of heavy snow and dangerous ice, leading to hazardous travel and possible infrastructure impacts.

Current forecast trends indicate this storm will track from the Great Plains toward the East Coast, strengthening as it moves east. Areas north of the storm track are expected to see periods of heavy snow, while locations along and just south of the track face a heightened risk for freezing rain and sleet.

Heavy snow is likely across portions of the central Plains, Ohio Valley, and into parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Snowfall rates could become intense at times, resulting in rapidly deteriorating road conditions, reduced visibility, and significant travel disruptions. Snow-covered roads and difficult driving conditions are expected where the heaviest bands develop.

South of the snow zone, dangerous ice accumulation is becoming increasingly likely. A wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet may create treacherous conditions, especially on untreated surfaces. Ice accretion raises concerns for downed trees and power outages, particularly in areas that experience prolonged freezing rain.

There is a growing signal for at least moderate winter storm impacts from Friday through Sunday. These impacts include hazardous travel, disruptions to daily routines, and possible damage to infrastructure. The combination of snow, ice, and cold temperatures could make conditions especially dangerous during peak travel periods.

While confidence in a high-impact winter storm is increasing, some uncertainty remains regarding the exact track and timing. Small shifts in the storm’s path could significantly change where the heaviest snow and ice set up. Forecast details will continue to be refined as the system approaches.

Residents across the affected regions should begin preparing now for potentially dangerous winter weather conditions this weekend. Additional updates will be issued as confidence continues to improve and impacts become clearer.

A prolonged stretch of colder than normal temperatures is becoming increasingly likely across much of the eastern United States as we move deeper into late January. The latest temperature outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center show a strong and persistent signal for below average temperatures developing during both the 6–10 day and 8–14 day forecast periods.

The 6–10 day outlook highlights a broad area of colder than normal conditions expanding from the Midwest into the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. The highest confidence for below normal temperatures is centered over the Great Lakes and interior Northeast, where probabilities strongly favor temperatures well below seasonal averages. This colder air mass is expected to gradually spread eastward and southward as the pattern evolves.

By the 8–14 day timeframe, the cold signal strengthens and becomes more entrenched across the eastern half of the country. Much of the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Northeast show a high likelihood of sustained below normal temperatures, indicating that this will not be a brief cold snap. Instead, forecast guidance suggests repeated intrusions of Arctic air reinforcing the cold pattern well into early February.

Meteorologically, this setup is driven by a strong ridge of high pressure over the western United States and a deep trough anchored across the eastern U.S. This configuration allows cold air from Canada to repeatedly spill southward, keeping temperatures suppressed for an extended period. While the western U.S. remains warmer than average under the ridge, the eastern states remain locked in a colder regime.

For residents across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, this pattern could bring multiple days of daytime highs running well below normal, along with colder overnight lows. The persistence of the cold also raises the potential for increased energy demand, frozen pipes, and heightened vulnerability for those without adequate heating. Any storm systems that develop during this period would also need to be closely monitored, as the presence of cold air could support winter weather threats.

Forecast confidence is increasing that this cold stretch will be one of the more significant and long-lasting cold periods of the season for the eastern United States. Residents are encouraged to prepare for prolonged winter conditions and stay updated as forecasts are refined in the coming days.

A strong solar flare, classified as an X1.9 event, erupted from the Sun on January 18, 2026, peaking around 18:09 UTC, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. This flare originated from Active Region 3431, a magnetically complex sunspot group currently facing Earth.

Space weather forecasters are tracking a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm affecting Earth’s magnetic environment tonight, raising the possibility of rare auroral displays visible across mid-Atlantic skies, including the Delmarva region.

What Is a G4 Magnetic Storm?

A geomagnetic storm occurs when charged particles from the Sun, often launched by a solar flare or coronal mass ejection (CME), slam into Earth’s magnetosphere and disturb its magnetic field. The intensity of these storms is measured on the NOAA Space Weather Scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G4 storm represents severe levels of geomagnetic activity, indicating strong magnetic fluctuations and a heightened potential for vivid auroras at unusually low latitudes.

During a G4 event:

• Particles from the Sun funnel into the upper atmosphere near the poles and excite atoms like oxygen and nitrogen, creating luminous curtains of light known as the aurora borealis.
• The auroral zone expands, sometimes far south of its normal range, allowing observers in mid-latitude regions (including the Mid-Atlantic) to see lights typically confined to far northern skies.

Geomagnetic storms at this level can also affect radio communications, GPS accuracy, and in rare cases electric power systems, though modern grids are usually resilient.

Aurora Potential Tonight for Delmarva

Forecasters monitoring the aurora forecast models say the current geomagnetic activity could push the auroral oval southward toward the mid-Atlantic. Under G4 conditions, auroras have in the past been reported as far south as the southeastern United States, with some displays reaching states like Florida and Alabama during strong storms.

For observers in Delaware and the broader Delmarva region, this means:

• Timing: The best chances for sightings are typically after local sunset through the late evening and into the early morning hours. Auroras are most visible when the sky is fully dark.
• Colors & Forms: If visible, the lights may appear as greenish glows or shimmering curtains, occasionally with hints of red or pink at the edges, depending on atmospheric conditions and storm strength.
• Visibility Factors: Clear skies and low light pollution will improve viewing prospects. Urban lighting and cloud cover can wash out faint auroral activity.

This level of geomagnetic storming is rare for mid-latitude regions like the Mid-Atlantic, and any display would be an unusual and noteworthy event for skywatchers in the area.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM EST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to two
  inches.

* WHERE...Dorchester, Inland Worcester, the Maryland Beaches,
  Somerset, and Wicomico Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 AM to 10 PM EST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The advisory may need to be expanded
  southward with future updates if the snow forecast continues to
  trend upward.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 511 for road
information.

The Mid-Atlantic region continues to grapple with expanding dry conditions this winter, with drought intensifying across much of the area, according to the latest update from the United States Drought Monitor.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released this week shows that moderate to severe drought conditions have grown across key parts of the Mid-Atlantic, including central Maryland and large portions of central Virginia. While some northern areas of Pennsylvania experienced wetter conditions, southern and eastern portions of the region have remained dry, allowing drought to deepen.

Abnormally dry conditions now extend through wide swaths of the Mid-Atlantic. The Monitor categorizes drought severity on a scale from D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought), and recent assessments show that drought categories have climbed across the region as a result of ongoing precipitation deficits and above-normal temperatures.

Officials say the dry pattern is tied largely to below-average rainfall and snowfall over recent months. Water resources, including streamflow and groundwater levels, have been slow to recover, particularly in areas that saw little relief from fall and early winter precipitation. Some parts of the region have already enacted water restrictions for residents and agriculture due to low reservoir and river levels.

Forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center warn that drought persistence is likely through the late winter and early spring, as the outlook shows no strong signal for widespread heavy precipitation in the Mid-Atlantic. Climatologists note that any recovery will be gradual, and areas with long-term moisture deficits may continue to see dry conditions linger well into the spring months.

The drought’s effects are being felt across industries and ecosystems. Farmers report increasingly dry fields that have challenged winter cover crops and pasture lands. Municipal water managers are monitoring reservoir levels and preparing for the possibility of expanded water use restrictions as the season progresses. Ecologists also warn that prolonged dry conditions could strain forests, wetlands, and aquatic habitats already stressed by low streamflows.