Delaware braces for major weekend storm

In anticipation of an intensifying coastal storm this weekend, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency urges residents to monitor and prepare by following National Weather Service reports and all subsequent guidance from local officials. The NWS has announced a Coastal Flood Watch, Storm, and High Wind Watch from Sunday, Oct. 12, through the evening of Monday, Oct. 13, for portions of Delaware and across Atlantic coastal waters and the lower Delaware Bay.  

There is an increasing likelihood this storm could develop into a significant to severe weather event, potentially resulting in moderate to major coastal flooding, excessive rainfall between 1 and 5 inches along coastal and bay areas, strong damaging winds, and wind gusts of nearly 60 mph. Inland wind gusts and flooding in urban areas may occur as well. Along with this, there remains the potential for storm and wind-related tree damage and power outages. Dangerous marine and beach conditions include gale- and storm-force winds across all marine zones with very dangerous surge. Strong rip currents, beach erosion and dune breaching may also occur. The storm could result in dangerous conditions including roadway flooding, impassable roads, possible inundation of structures and the possibility for evacuations.

“We’re asking Delawareans to follow local directives to remain safe through the developing storm,” said DMA Director A.J. Schall. “Take steps now to check your emergency kit, to clear gutters and secure outdoor furniture, to set aside some cash in case of loss of power, and to avoid nonessential travel during periods of heavy rains. We’re urging residents to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System by visiting de.gov/dens to receive critical alerts, and to monitor weather reports through the weekend.”

Citizens should stay informed by listening to emergency radio stations and by following trusted local agencies’ social media accounts and credible news sources for information and possible protective actions. Staying informed also means understanding one’s homeowner's insurance policy to determine an appropriate level of coverage including flood insurance from FEMA as needed. Go to preparede.org/stay-informed and floodsmart.gov for more information.

Stay tuned to local media, as well as the Sussex County website at sussexcountyde.gov. Sussex County offers a variety of social media outlets to relay the latest storm information. Follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE and www.facebook.com/SussexCountyEmergencyManagement, and on X at www.twitter.com/sussexde_govt and  www.x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM. Updates will be issued as needed.

For a list of road closures, go to the Delaware Department of Transportation website at deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, go Delmarva Power’s website at delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s website at delaware.coop.

For more information on preparing for coastal storms and other weather events, including Know Your Zone evacuation maps, go to Sussex County’s preparedness homepage at sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-management, PrepareDE’s website at preparede.org, or the NOAA Weather Ready Nation homepage at weather.gov/wrn. 

Sussex County reminds the public to only call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Members of the public with questions should contact Sussex County Emergency Management at 302-856-7360.

Local emergency alert system stations include:

WDEL-AM 1150

WDEL-FM 101.7 

WDSD-AM 94.7

WDDE-FM 91.1            

WWTX-AM 1290           

WDOV-AM 1410

WRDX-FM 92.9            

WSTW-FM 93.7

WILM-AM 1450            

WCHK-FM 101.3

Boaters tune to Marine Channel 16

Delaware Statewide Traffic Advisory Radio WTMC 1380 AM

WJWL-AM 900 (Spanish language) 

Sussex County stations include:

WKNZ FM 88.7

WXDE FM 105.9

WGMD FM 92.7

WUSX FM 98.5.

Lewes prepares

The City of Lewes and the Lewes Board of Public Works are preparing for the impact from the storm.

The city sent out the following update on trash pickup: Due to impending weather, trash and recycle services will be delayed one day on the week of Oct. 13 Pickups that are typically on Monday will be delayed to Tuesday, and pickups on Tuesday will be delayed to Wednesday. There will be no leaf pickup on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Tom Panetta, Lewes BPW president, said they are working with the city, county and state to prepare for the storm.

He said they are most concerned about the possibility of 50 to 60 mph winds and back bay flooding.

Panetta said if there is flooding, please do not drive, because stuck vehicles will block trucks from responding to emergencies.

Rehoboth Beach prepares

The City of Rehoboth Beach is monitoring a significant coastal storm that is expected to impact our area this weekend. 

Key safety reminders for residents, visitors and businesses include:

• Secure all loose umbrellas, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Please ask a neighbor to pull your trash can up from the curb if you are not home
• High winds can lead to heavy surf conditions, so all water activities are prohibited. Be advised that there are no lifeguards on duty
• Avoid the beach, as beach erosion can be caused by high surf
• Motorists should use caution when driving, and avoid any flooded roadways.

Rehoboth Beach has crews ready to assist with any cleanup and preparation that is needed. We will keep you updated as conditions change.