Severe Weather Possible Wednesday into Thursday

Updated 8/31/2021 at 6:00pm

Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring the remnant low from Hurricane Ida.  We continue to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens.  The main threats are anticipated to include rain, flooding, and severe thunderstorms.  A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for all of Delaware from Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon.  Flooding is expected in creeks, streams, urban areas, and poor drainage areas.   There is an increased risk of severe weather for Delaware Wednesday evening and night including strong to severe thunderstorms causing downed trees and power lines, as well as increased potential for tornadoes.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

  Event summary including potential threats of rain, flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes.Rainfall estimates from the storm ranging from 4 inches for New Castle County to 1 inch in Sussex County.Excessive Rainfall Outlook showing moderate risk (flash floods likely) and slight risk south of Dover. from Dover north, and Severe Weather Outlook showing most of Delaware in the Enhanced Risk category for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.

 

 
 
 
How to Prepare:
  • Clear drains and gutters and check sump pumps
  • Never drive through flood water: Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Be prepared to act if Tornado Warnings or other severe weather warnings are issued.

Make A Plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan

  • Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.  Know how and where to shelter if a Tornado Warning is issued, go to Ready.gov/tornadoes for more.
  • Communicate and practice your plan with family.
  • Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.

Make An Emergency Kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit

  • Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last for at least 3 days.
  • Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.

Stay Informed

For more preparedness tips: PrepareDE.org
 
For weather updates from the National Weather Service: weather.gov/phi
 
For updates on the roads: https://deldot.gov/ and through their app https://deldot.gov/mobile/.
 
Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
 
Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.


DEMA Encourages Preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa

 Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa.  We continue to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens.  A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly for Sussex County with expansion of the Watch expected.  The updated track for Tropical Storm Elsa from NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center is slightly further west, which could mean a more significant impact for the state.  The main threats are anticipated to include rain, flooding, and increased rip currents beginning late Thursday.  But as we saw with Tropical Storm Isaias last summer, a variety of threats exist with Tropical Storms including tornadoes, high winds, flash flooding, etc.  Power outages are possible.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

Prepare Your Home

  • Secure loose outdoor items such as grills, trash and recycling cans, and patio furniture.
  • Clear drains around your home to prevent flooding.
  • Trim back trees and bushes to prevent storm damage.
  • Have a plan for how to stay cool if the power goes out.
  • If you have a generator, make sure that you have fuel and test it in advance. Remember: never use a generator indoors!

Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Have a full tank of fuel
  • Ensure tire pressures are correct
  • Ensure that all lights are working.

Charge Electronic Devices

  • Keep phones, radios, and electronic devices fully charged in case of power outages.
  • Have portable power banks to charge electronic devices.

Make A Plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan

  • Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.
  • Communicate and practice your plan with family.
  • Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.

Make An Emergency Kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit

  • Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last >3 days.
  • Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.

Stay Informed

Map showing the forecasted route of Tropical Storm Elsa which tracks through Delaware. Map showing the forecasted arrival of Tropical Storm force winds as early as Thursday evening.A map showing predicted rainfall of 1-2 inches or higher for Delaware.

For more preparedness tips: PrepareDE.org  

For weather updates from the National Weather Service: weather.gov/phi

For updates on the roads: https://deldot.gov/ and through their app https://deldot.gov/mobile/.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.


UPDATE: State of Delaware offices in New Castle County are now closed on Thursday, February 18, 2021

UPDATE: Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies Alert Thursday, February 18, 2021

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County are now closed on Thursday, February 18, 2021 during regular business hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to report as scheduled.


DelDOT Winter Storm Update #1

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) continues to prepare for the arrival of a statewide snow event. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New Castle County from 7:00 a.m. Sunday to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, and Winter Storm Watch for Kent County and Sussex County from 10:00 a.m. Sunday to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.

DelDOT has brined roads across the state and prepared equipment ahead of the approaching storm and will be bringing in staff beginning Sunday morning to continue preparations.

At this time, DART also plans to operate fixed route and paratransit bus services as scheduled on Sunday, January 31.

The DelDOT snow plow tracker will be active during the storm and is available via the DelDOT smartphone app and www.deldot.gov under the interactive maps icon.


State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020

Severe Weather Conditions & Emergencies Alert Thursday, December 17, 2020

Due to icy conditions on the roadways, State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees designated for severe weather are to report as scheduled.