Heavy rain, flash flooding creates hazardous driving conditions

Delaware Department of Transportation officials are continuing to monitor local roadways after a nor’easter pounded the coast with heavy wind and rain earlier this week.

Route 1 northbound and southbound from Dewey Beach to Bethany Beach was closed due to flooding shortly after the evening high tide about 5:30 p.m., Jan. 23, through the morning of Jan. 24. The roadway was cleared by about 11 a.m., Jan. 24.

Motorists also are advised to drive with caution on roads, pay attention to barricades and not drive through standing water. If there is a flooded roadway ahead, turn around and take an alternate route. If there is no other route, head to higher ground and wait for the water to subside. Do not attempt to cross over a flooded road, even if it appears to be shallow. Driving in inclement weather requires everyone to be alert, reduce speed and turn on headlights.

The National Weather Service forecasts show areas along the coast may see winds averaging 20-40 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph from late Sunday, Jan. 22 through Monday, Jan. 23. Heavy rain also may be expected during that time, with coastal Delaware seeing up to 3 inches of rain in a 36-hour period. The storm is expected to cause area flooding, especially in places with poor drainage. Minor coastal flooding may continue through the evening high tide Jan. 23, while strong onshore wind and waves are likely to cause some beach erosion.

A high wind warning is in effect until 4 p.m., Jan. 23, a coastal flood advisory is in effect until 2 p.m., Jan. 23, and a coastal flood warning is in effect from 2 p.m., Jan. 23, through 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, the National Weather Service states.

Delmarva Power is reporting power outages throughout Delmarva, with nearly 1,500 customers temporarily affected in the Belltown area near Lewes. Power was restored in that area about 2 p.m. To check or report current outages, go to Delmarva Power’s outage map at delmarva.com.

DelDOT's maintenance crews will place portable signs when roadways become flooded, will remove tree limbs and other debris and will clear storm drains and grates to help reduce the possibility of flooding.

Evacuation routes are posted at deldot.gov.

For a list of event cancellations, go to capegazette.com/node/124296.