SMYRNA, Del. – Governor Matt Meyer has proclaimed March 10 to March 14 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware In recent years, Delaware has experienced flooding, tornadoes, and coastal storms that put lives and property at risk and adversely impact the health, safety, and economic well-being of families, businesses, and schools. Learning about the different types of hazards can increase preparedness and reduce the devastation caused by severe weather.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is joining with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ, the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Delaware Sea Grant to raise awareness. Flooding, coastal storms, tornadoes, and lightning are just some of the weather threats that can occur in Delaware, often with little warning. The National Weather Service is hosting a “Severe Weather Awareness Week” webpage with many informative resources and links to NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation website. Tips on making a family plan, building a preparedness kit, and staying informed can be found at PrepareDE.org.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director A.J. Schall said, “Preparing now before severe weather strikes is key to ensuring our communities are more prepared”.

Signing up to receive alerts and notifications through the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS), downloading the Delaware Department of Transportation mobile App, and checking if you live or work in a designated flood evacuation zone through Know Your Zone are just a few ways to get started today.

Residents are urged to also follow along on DEMA’s social media accounts for a different weather hazard each day, providing links to valuable information on how to keep your family safe

• Monday: flooding
• Tuesday: tornadoes and tornado safety
• Wednesday: severe thunderstorms and hail
• Thursday: lightning safety
• Friday: preparing for severe weather

Delaware Severe Weather Awareness Week is a reminder that Delaware has been hit with many major weather events within the past five years. This year marks five years since Tropical Storm Isaias spawned the longest tornado ever recorded in Delaware, which wreaked a path of destruction as it traveled from Dover in Kent County to Glasgow in New Castle County. In April of 2023, a tragic tornado fatality occurred in Sussex County. It was the first tornado-related death since two people were killed near a mobile home community near Hartly on July 21, 1983. Record rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021 caused historic flooding in parts of downtown Wilmington,

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, in 2024 there were 27 weather and climate disaster events with losses above $1 billion within the United States. This is the second most (CPI-adjusted) number of billion-dollar disasters, coming in just behind the 28 of 2023. Of the billion-dollar disasters in 2024, 18 were related to thunderstorm hazards.

In recognition of severe weather awareness week, Delaware Sea Grant is partnering with the Town of Bethany Beach, the Town of South Bethany, and the Sea Colony community to host an emergency preparedness workshop on March 28, 2025 (in person) at the Sea Colony Fitness Center, 38994 Westway Drive, Bethany Beach, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This workshop is open to the public. For more information, contact Danielle Swallow at dswallow@udel.edu.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook X and Instagram

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