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.

Coastal Flood Threat
Coastal Flood Hazard

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.

Clean Drains and Gutters
Officials urge homeowners to clean drains, gutters, and check sump pumps.

“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.

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.

Icy Road Conditions Expected Saturday Night

As the evening hours approach, and surface temperatures continue to drop and frozen precipitation remains, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is advising against unnecessary travel due to the likelihood of icy road conditions across the state.

DelDOT crews continue to salt primary roads, however, freezing rain is more difficult to treat than snow. Freezing rain dilutes the effectiveness of salt faster than snow and can cause the road surface to rapidly freeze. Examples of primary roads across the state are I-95, Route 1, Route 9, Route 13, Route 26, Route 113 and Route 404.

Untreated secondary and local roads will likely be icy and caution is advised for anyone who must travel. Black ice can form instantly and create hazardous driving conditions.

Please stay tuned to your local forecast and further updates from DelDOT regarding this storm.

Tropical Storm Warning for Delaware

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.

2/11/19: State offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m.

Monday, February 11, 2019 – 5:00 AM

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

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Motorists may monitor real-time conditions, snow plow activity, and traffic cameras by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded free. Search for “DelDOT” in the Apple and Google Play stores. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

For answers to commonly asked questions during a storm event, please visit DelDOT’s Frequently Asked Questions for Snow Removal online at:

https://www.deldot.gov/About/faqs/index.shtml?dc=snowFAQ