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Rain, high winds, coastal flooding coming

National Weather Service says rain to begin Thursday
March 1, 2018

Batten down the hatches and secure the mainstays – the National Weather Service is calling for rain, high winds and flooding beginning this afternoon, Thursday, March 1.

The NWS has issued a high-wind watch from Friday, March 2, through the morning of Saturday, March 3. There’s a predicted northwest wind of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 65 mph. The strongest winds are expected late Friday morning through Friday evening. Winds will gradually diminish late Friday night.

The NWS predicts the winds will blow down trees and power lines, which may cause widespread power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

The NWS has also issued a coastal flood watch for Sussex and Kent counties. Numerous roadways are expected to flood and minor to moderate property damage is possible. The NWS said tides and wave action will likely result in moderate beach erosion.

High tide on the oceanfront occurs between 7:45 and 8:45 p.m., Friday; between 8 and 9 a.m., Saturday; and between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Saturday. High tide on the back bays and on Delaware Bay occurs later than the high tide on the oceanfront.

The NWS is predicting a storm surge of about 1 foot late Friday that could build to 3 feet Saturday.

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