Delaware News

Delaware Coastal Storm Response

Delaware Emergency Management Agency | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | News | Date Posted: Saturday, September 23, 2023


Storm response

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is currently coordinating with officials from FEMA Region 3, state, county, and local agencies to respond to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia throughout the state.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning, high wind warning, high surf advisory, and high rip current risk for coastal communities. High winds are expected into this evening and rainfall will persist over the next two days. DEMA, along with county emergency management officials as well as the City of Wilmington, are monitoring the situation and prepared to respond. The Delaware National Guard is being activated and will be in place to support any necessary operations by 1 p.m. on Saturday. On Friday, emergency officials in Kent and Sussex County met with town managers and local fire companies and first responders to assess needs and plan operations for the weekend. DelDOT and other state agencies are standing by to provide support as needed.

Major concerns right now are flooding in low lying areas in coastal Kent County, near Long Neck and Oak Orchard in Sussex County, as well as the potential effect of tidal cycles on flooding and water drainage across the region. The area could receive up to 2 inches of rain or more in several areas over the next two days. Forecast winds are expected to shift from an onshore flow to a westerly flow by tomorrow, which could aid in draining back bays and other areas. DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has already closed campgrounds in coastal areas and some mobile home parks in Sussex County have had power shut off to prevent transformer inundation. There are currently some reports of scattered power outages in several areas and providers are working to restore service.

 

NWS Impact Chart

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.

Delaware Coastal Storm Response

Delaware Emergency Management Agency | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | News | Date Posted: Saturday, September 23, 2023


Storm response

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is currently coordinating with officials from FEMA Region 3, state, county, and local agencies to respond to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia throughout the state.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning, high wind warning, high surf advisory, and high rip current risk for coastal communities. High winds are expected into this evening and rainfall will persist over the next two days. DEMA, along with county emergency management officials as well as the City of Wilmington, are monitoring the situation and prepared to respond. The Delaware National Guard is being activated and will be in place to support any necessary operations by 1 p.m. on Saturday. On Friday, emergency officials in Kent and Sussex County met with town managers and local fire companies and first responders to assess needs and plan operations for the weekend. DelDOT and other state agencies are standing by to provide support as needed.

Major concerns right now are flooding in low lying areas in coastal Kent County, near Long Neck and Oak Orchard in Sussex County, as well as the potential effect of tidal cycles on flooding and water drainage across the region. The area could receive up to 2 inches of rain or more in several areas over the next two days. Forecast winds are expected to shift from an onshore flow to a westerly flow by tomorrow, which could aid in draining back bays and other areas. DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation has already closed campgrounds in coastal areas and some mobile home parks in Sussex County have had power shut off to prevent transformer inundation. There are currently some reports of scattered power outages in several areas and providers are working to restore service.

 

NWS Impact Chart

image_printPrint


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.