SMYRNA, Del. – Delaware state officials are urging residents to be aware and prepare for potential flooding and strong winds this afternoon through tonight from a severe storm that could produce excessive rainfall rates in excess of 2 inches per hour.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood and Severe Storm Risk from Thursday afternoon into Thursday night. Showers and thunderstorms with excessive rainfall could lead to flash flooding of urbanized and poor drainage areas, small streams, and creeks. Flooding could result in road closures. Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with locally damaging winds, resulting in tree damage and power outages. A Flood Watch is in effect for the area through 6 AM Friday.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is monitoring weather conditions and will work with county emergency management officials to respond and address any emerging needs. DelDOT will update road closure information and issue travel advisories on its website, WTMC 1380 AM, and the DelDOT mobile app.

As a coastal state with the lowest average elevation in the U.S., flooding is the most common weather hazard in Delaware. For a map of flood-prone areas in Delaware, go to de.gov/floodrisk. Residents in these areas should monitor the weather and prepare to move to higher ground if necessary. Motorists are reminded to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if they encounter flooded roadways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

KEY MESSAGES

• Stay informed about current weather, storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.

• Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens to learn about emergency closings or hazardous conditions. Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts.

• If possible, avoid travel by car in flooded areas. Check on road conditions with the DelDOT App.

Flood Severity Terms

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television.

• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.

• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

National Weather Service Links:

• NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly Website: weather.gov/phi/

• Facebook: facebook.com/NWSMountHolly

• X (formerly Twitter): @NWS_MountHolly

DelDOT Links:

• Download the free DelDOT mobile app

• Travel Advisories: http://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/#advisories

• WTMC Radio: 1380 AM statewide

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delawaredot

• X: @DelawareDOT

DEMA Links:

• DEMA.delaware.gov

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelawareEMA

• X: @DelawareEMA

• PrepareDE.org

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

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