NCC Officials Urge Residents Not to Drive After Dark Due to Flood Risk

Risks can lurk from unseen hazards in floodwaters of unknown depth.

New Castle Emergency Mgt.

NEW CASTLE, Del. — New Castle County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency are urging residents to avoid driving after dark because of the expected heavy rain tonight and the risks from flooding. The National Weather Service has forecast periods of intense and heavy rain with high winds for this evening, which could cause small stream, river flooding, and coastal flooding – especially in the upper Delaware Bay.

The National Weather Service is currently forecasting the Delaware Bay at Reedy Point to crest at 9.1 feet, near the record of 9.24 feet set on April 16, 2011. Currently, no evacuations are planned, but officials expect Delaware City to be temporarily inaccessible for a period.

New Castle Emergency Mgt.

 

Flooding at night is very dangerous because it is harder to see the water level, the speed of the current, and any obstacles or hazards in the way. Each year, flooding causes more deaths than any other storm-related hazard. Many flood deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood waters.

About 75 percent of flash-flood deaths occur at night. Half of deaths result when people in automobiles or other vehicles proceed into water of unknown depth and are swept away by the force of the water. Many deaths also occur when motorists drive around road barricades that clearly indicate that the road is washed out ahead. Flood water is dangerous for both cars and pedestrians: just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

State and county emergency agencies are closely monitoring weather and road conditions and will issue emergency notifications and Wireless Emergency Alerts if needed. Everyone is urged to stay informed through radio, TV, or social media, and follow instructions from officials. Please evacuate if told to do so, or if you are in a flash flood prone area.

Do not walk or drive through flood waters, as they can be fast-moving, contaminated, or electrically charged. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water and move to higher ground or a higher floor if possible. Stay where you are until the flood waters recede and it is safe to leave.

The Delaware Department of Transportation is also asking everyone to report flooded roads or other debris and downed power lines by contacting #77 from their mobile phone.

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.

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.

Major Storm Could Bring Widespread Flooding

Officials urge homeowners and residents to take time and prepare now.

SMYRNA, Del. – Delaware state officials are urging residents to be aware and prepare for potential flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday from a major storm that could bring at least 1 to 3 inches of rain with the heaviest rainfall expected to fall Tuesday night. The combination of heavy rain on already saturated ground with rivers running higher could lead to widespread and significant flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. Widespread flooding from excessive rainfall is possible for the Delaware beaches, inland Sussex, Kent, and New Castle Counties. In addition, damaging south to southeast winds could produce gusts 40 to 50 m.p.h. inland and gusts up to 65 mph for coastal areas. A storm watch is in effect for all marine zones with dangerous seas building 15 to 20 feet Tuesday night lingering into Wednesday.

DEMA has resources on PrepareDE.org about flooding and the NWS also offers flood safety tips to help everyone prepare. Homeowners are urged to clear their gutters and drains as well as check sump pumps to make sure they are working properly.

“Having multiple rain events over the course of a few weeks has created the possibility for serious flooding with Tuesday’s storm,” said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “Take time today to prepare and make sure you are weather aware and follow the directions of local officials.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “Drivers should be alert to the possibility of flooded roads during this storm and not attempt to drive through them. Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions. DelDOT will be monitoring road conditions throughout the storm and will be ready to respond. Flooded roads can be reported to the Transportation Management Center by calling #77.”

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:

DelDOT Links:

DEMA Links:

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.

DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Second Annual Delaware Flood Awareness Week May 15 to 19

Already the country’s lowest-lying state, Delaware is experiencing more frequent flooding events as an impact of climate change. /DNREC photo

 

Highlights Include Governor’s Proclamation, Interactive Quiz

In conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 15 to 19 as Delaware Flood Awareness Week. The goal is to better inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and about flood remediation for addressing property damage or loss.

“Unfortunately, extreme weather events are becoming more common in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “We want to make sure that Delawareans stay safe and are prepared for unexpected flood events. I want to thank DNREC and DEMA for their partnership in Flood Awareness Week and urge Delawareans to learn more about the risks of flooding and ways to prepare for extreme weather.”

In Delaware, the most prominent impacts of climate change are sea level rise, increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, including extreme weather events and flooding. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan is a resource for how the state can better prepare to deal with these impacts.

Throughout the Delaware Flood Awareness Week, DNREC and DEMA are also partnering with other organizations including the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the University of Delaware to highlight numerous other resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include flood risk training, an interactive quiz, and a floodplain mapping tool.

“We can sound the alarm that extreme weather events are getting worse every year and that flood risk is greater than ever before in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “But action begins with awareness and in acknowledging that we’re up against it as the lowest-lying state – increasingly vulnerable to flooding from one end of the state to the other and on our coasts as well. The Governor’s proclaiming another Flood Awareness Week is outreach that speaks both to the urgency of the situation and to what Delawareans can do in confronting what the future will bring. Preparedness has many hats – from having a flood insurance policy, to using the state’s new flood planning tool, to commencing new home construction where appropriately sited. Flood Awareness Week covers all that and can be of benefit for public health and safety, regardless of whether a resident is a property owner or renter.”

“Floods are one of the most common hazards across the country. Flooding can happen quickly, and we must be aware of changing conditions and our surroundings. It is important for Delaware residents to stay safe by being proactive and knowing what to do and staying aware of flood risks in their communities,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

On Friday, May 12, DNREC is a partner in presenting a pre-Flood Awareness week kickoff event, “Creating a Flood-Ready Community” offered in conjunction with the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration, Delaware Sea Grant and the DNREC Coastal Training Program. The course, to be held in person at DNREC’s St. Jones Coastal Training Center in the Kitts Hummock community, covers basic risk and hazard concepts, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mapping, the Delaware flood insurance program, tools to prevent hazards in a cost-effective manner, and strategies for reducing exposure. For more information, visit de.gov/dnrecmeetings.

On, Monday, May 15, the second annual Delaware Flood Awareness Week formally begins with DNREC and DEMA highlighting preparedness with an interactive quiz and social media content. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

Also on May 15, DNREC’s Coastal Training Program and the University of Delaware Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis will offer demonstrations of coastal monitoring tools used to monitor weather and flooding along Delaware’s coasts. The virtual training session will be presented twice, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Delaware Flood Awareness Week seeks to help the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage.

An article, “Flooding – What You Can Do” published in the Outdoor Delaware online magazine explains what Delawareans can do to protect against flooding. DNREC also provides the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be used to quickly determine flood risk for a particular property and is found at de.gov/floodplanning.

DNREC’s and DEMA’s shared social media message for awareness week is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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 in order 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 is authorized by Delaware Code, Title 20,Chapter 31§3101-3130.

Media contacts:
DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
DEMA: John Petersen, john.petersen@delaware.gov

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DNREC, DEMA Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week

Flooding such as occurred in Delaware during Hurricane Sandy is becoming a bigger threat to country’s lowest-lying state.

 

Interactive Quiz, Flood Insurance Webinar and Social Media
Campaign Highlight Daily Flood-Related Themes from May 9 to 13

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss. “Every Delawarean should make sure that they are prepared for unexpected flood events,” said Governor Carney. “Flood Awareness Week allows for federal, state and local emergency agencies to increase public awareness of flood risks. Explore the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s resources to make sure that you’re prepared.”

Throughout next week DNREC and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will highlight numerous resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include an interactive quiz, webinar and floodplain mapping tool.

“Delaware is the lowest-lying state and has the lowest average land elevation in the country – we are already susceptible to flooding and becoming more at risk from sea level rise,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “With climate change spawning more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes, flooding is an issue that we must confront with greater urgency. It’s imperative to get word out on flooding and flood risk management.”

“Delaware is experiencing significant flooding with increasing frequency in areas that have not previously experienced flood events. We encourage residents to be proactive to understand how flooding could affect them and take the appropriate precautions to protect their property and families,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Much of the impetus behind Delaware Flood Awareness Week is helping the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage. Delawareans can learn how much they know with a new interactive online flood quiz, available on Monday, May 9 from @DelawareDNREC social media pages. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness also can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

Much of the focus for Flood Awareness Week is on the tools and resources available to help Delawareans understand flood risk and be proactive addressing it on a personal property level. DNREC and DEMA staff will be on hand virtually and via social media during the week to explain flood insurance issues, to help residents access a flood insurance policy, and to advise on mitigation assistance resources in Delaware.

On Tuesday, May 10, DNREC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a flood insurance virtual open house, with two hour-long discussions, in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. and an evening session from 6 to 7 p.m. The open house offers expert commentary from the state and federal level, and the private sector on flood insurance and Risk Rating 2.0, the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) new risk rating and pricing methodology. At the end of each open house, the panel will address general questions from attendees via Zoom chat. More information, including Zoom registration, can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

DNREC’s Floodplain Management program will drive more flood insurance and flood awareness outreach later this month, with a DART bus traveling Sussex County routes outfitted with a graphic depiction of a flooded Delaware community under the heading “FLOODS. Are You Prepared?”

The Wednesday, May 11 theme “Flood Safety” is highlighted by more social media and outreach from DEMA, carrying messages such as “Flooding Can Be Dangerous” and, particularly in Delaware, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flooded roadways – a typical passenger vehicle can be swept away toward a tragic outcome by as little as 12 inches of onrushing water.

The flood awareness theme for Thursday, May 12 is “Know Your Flood Risk,” with a goal of encouraging Delawareans to research flood risk for their property. DNREC supports this effort by providing the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be found at de.gov/floodplanning. DNREC’s social media awareness message for the day is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”

For the Friday, May 13, and the flood awareness theme of “Remediation and Mitigation,” DEMA will turn to social media for explaining how actions taken now can reduce Delaware’s vulnerability to future disasters – how, on average, $1 spent on hazard mitigation provides Delawareans $4 in future benefits. The theme extends to helping Delawareans understand the benefits of mitigating at the local level, including how they can apply for mitigation grants through their local communities.

The finale for flood awareness week outreach efforts is a bonus for the next generation of Delaware property owners. DNREC’s Floodplain Management Program will unveil a working model of a floodplain Saturday, May 14 at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship’s “Water Family Fest” at the James Farm Ecological Reserve that helps young people understand flooding and its impacts. The Enviroscape tabletop is a hands-on way to demonstrate flooding and floodplain management concepts – along with showing how flooding on the floodplain can be caused by unplanned development, and the role wetlands play in helping mitigate flooding impacts.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

About DEMA
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services in order to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. For more information, visit the website and connect with DEMA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; DEMA: Paige Fitzgerald, paige.fitzgerald@delaware.gov

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Governor Carney Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration after Flooding Caused by Tropical Depression Ida

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) continues to conduct damage assessments

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Friday sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration following flooding caused by Tropical Depression Ida. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) in conjunction with the City of Wilmington and other partners, have spent the previous two weeks surveying damage in neighborhoods affected by the storm, to support the request for federal assistance. 

The following are excerpts from Governor Carney’s letter:

“Tropical Depression Ida interacted with a frontal system (and) produced 100-year rainfall returns in the Brandywine Creek basin. Heavy rains in Pennsylvania fell into Brandywine Creek, and flooding runoff flowed into Delaware on September 2, 2021.  

“Flooding from heavy rainfall caused considerable damage to residential and commercial structures and vehicles in the areas of the eastern portion of the City of Wilmington, as well as pockets along the Brandywine Creek from Talleyville, DE, through Edgemoor, DE.

“The Brandywine Creek in Wilmington rose to 23.14 feet Thursday morning, breaking its previous record of 20.43 feet in 2014. Flooding in Wilmington stretched between I-495 and Market Street, with the most significant impact in a fifteen to twenty-block area along the creek. In the early morning hours of September 2, water rescues were conducted in the Riverside neighborhood, with 200 people evacuated from the floodwaters…

“The State of Delaware continues to assist residents with an additional focus on providing support to our most vulnerable populations during these unprecedented times.”

Click here to read Governor Carney’s full letter. 

Click here to learn more about the resources available for those who were affected by the storm and ways to help.

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