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.
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.
For more information, you can visit these websites:
Severe Weather Awareness – Flood Safety
Dangers of Flooding and Tips for How You Can Protect Yourself
Ready.gov/Floods
Check on road conditions with the DelDOT App.
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.
