Smryna – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for the entire State of Delaware.  A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm-force winds, sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, are expected within the next 36 hours.

Tropical storms are not just a threat to coastal communities.  High winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding can occur throughout Delaware.  The current forecast calls for heavy rain and tropical storm-force winds to begin in the early hours of Tuesday morning.  Widespread three to five inches of rainfall is possible with isolated higher amounts; the higher amounts may be away from coastal communities and across the northern section Delaware.  This will create strong potential for flash flooding.  Rain and wind can also cause down trees and power lines leading to potentially extended power outages.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Emergency Operations Center remains active and has been closely coordinating with local, federal, voluntary, and non-profit agencies to prepare for this storm.  DEMA encourages residents and visitors to prepare now.  Here are some tips for what you can do today:

• Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture and grills.
• Clear drains around your house
• Ensure that you have an emergency plan, including where you could go if you need to leave your home.
• Have a plan for how to stay cool if the power goes out.
• Create an emergency kit with items such as non-perishable food, water, and extra medications, to sustain each member of your family plus pets for up to 7 days.
• Make sure to include extra cloth face coverings, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfecting wipes due to COVID-19.
• Also ensure that your electronic devices are charged and that you have a backup battery bank.  
• Finally, stay informed by monitoring the DEMA social media pages, local officials, and local weather. To sign up for emergency alerts click here, and for preparedness tips: PrepareDE.org.  

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter.

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

Officials from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and other state agencies are monitoring the forecast of Tropical Storm Isaias that could produce heavy rain, high wind gusts, and flash flooding throughout the day Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for the entire state with the potential for winds greater than 39 mph and several inches of rain.

Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads and be alert for downed trees, wires, and other obstructions on the road as result of the wind and rain. DelDOT and its contractors will be securing equipment and materials on construction sites today, however, motorists should be cautious and aware in those areas for objects that can be blown into the roadway. Hazards can be reported to the Transportation Management Center by calling #77 when safely able to do so, which is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DelDOT will be monitoring the storm and sharing updates as necessary via social media and WTMC 1380AM and reminds motorists that headlights should be on when windshield wipers are in use and to slow down and allow more travel time during any rain event.

Additionally, DelDOT urges residents who live in areas prone to flooding to take precautions for possible evacuation and review evacuation routes which are available on DelDOT’s website.

DEMA also provides an Emergency Preparedness Checklist and for the latest weather forecasts and emergency preparedness tips, visit preparede.org.

Provides information on insurance processes for property damage

As Tropical Storm Isaias approaches Delaware, residents are urged to prepare for dangerous winds over 55 miles per hour and up to 6 inches of rain. Storm surges, localized flooding, tree damage, power outages, and other threats to life and property are possible, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Rain is expected Monday evening, with the brunt of the storm arriving early on Tuesday.

“As models continue to show Delaware in the path of this storm, home and business owners should take steps to reduce property damage and stay safe,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “Secure any outdoor items or furniture that could cause damage when windy conditions occur, charge your cellphones, gather emergency supplies, and make a plan about where you can take shelter away from windows at the peak of the storm. Keep in mind that roads may become difficult to navigate due to debris and tree damage, and never drive through a flooded area.”

Isaias is expected to hit Delaware Tuesday morning. Potential storm impacts include damage to porches, carports and other awnings, as well as roofing and siding, with impacts on mobile homes more significant. NWS expects uprooted or snapped trees in addition to flooding, causing impassable roadways and power outages in some places. Storm surges are likely, and tornadoes are possible.

In advance of storms, residents are urged to locate important documents, including homeowners and auto insurance policies and company contact information, as well as a complete a home inventory. If your property is damaged by Tropical Storm Isaias, contact your insurer before you clean up or make repairs, and photograph all damage. After speaking with your insurer and photographing damage, take action to prevent further damage by covering broken windows, damaged walls, or leaking roofs, but do not make permanent repairs. Your insurance company should inspect the property and estimate the cost of permanent repairs. Save all receipts and documentation, including those related to temporary repairs.

Hurricane season lasts well into the fall, and residents should make plans and take precautions now to reduce future risks, including exploring flood insurance. More than 20 percent of flood insurance claims are for properties outside of high-risk areas. Flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to go into effect. For more information about FEMA’s flood insurance program and to find an agent in your area, visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-4661.

For more information on how to prepare your home for inclement weather, visit the Department of Insurance Disaster Preparedness page.