DOVER, Del. (CBS) – Authorities in Delaware issued a limited State of Emergency for commuters in Kent and Sussex Counties due to the storm that may cause up to 18 inches of snow.

Governor Jack Markell declared a “Level 1 Driving Warning” at 4 p.m. on Sunday. The first level of the three-level system indicates that drivers are discouraged from operating a vehicle on the state’s roadways unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.

The system was implemented after the severe winter snowstorm earlier this year and is designed to provide more clarity to drivers, authorities say.

DelDOT crews started preparing for the storm last night. This morning, Governor Markell deployed Delaware National Guard personnel to operate snow-plowing machines in each county and has asked State Police Troops to assist with any local emergencies.

“With DelDOT crews working around the clock, the National Guard activated and our state and local emergency responders at the ready, the state is fully prepared for the first big storm of this winter but we ask everyone to use good judgment and stay off the roads,” said Governor Markell.