1600 Hours, Friday, March 12, 2010: The latest in a string of coastal storms to pound the mid-Atlantic region this winter season threatens to bring more heavy rains, gusty winds and tidal flooding, prompting flood warnings and advisories for Sussex County through this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, N.J., has issued a coastal flood warning and a wind advisory for Sussex County through Saturday night. Strong winds off the Atlantic Ocean could gust as high as 50 mph, with minor to moderate flooding possible in low-lying areas such as the Inland Bays and along the Delaware Bay.

Forecasters expect the heaviest weather to come in later tonight, and persist for most of the day Saturday before tapering off to showers on Sunday.

In addition to the possibility of tidal flooding and strong winds, forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall – as much as 1 to 3 inches – with this system, the latest in a series of nor’easters and snowstorms to affect the region this season.

Officials at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continue to monitor the storm’s development, and are in regular contact with National Weather Service forecasters and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

“With the ground already saturated and so much water still standing, the biggest concern we have right now is flooding,” EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “On top of that, with the possibility of 50 mph winds, trees could easily be knocked over. As always, it’s important the public pay careful attention and take steps now to protect their property.”

Sussex County reminds residents and property owners to secure loose objects, such as lawn chairs and trash cans, to prevent gusty winds from turning those items into potential projectiles. Also, residents in low-lying tidal areas – particularly along Sussex County’s Inland Bays – should expect tidal flooding, and ensure submersible pumps are working, storm drains are clear of debris and automobiles are moved from flood-prone locations.

With this storm, there is the possibility of downed trees and fallen power lines throughout the county, Mr. Thomas said. Residents, visitors and property owners should be cautious, and should never approach downed power lines. If there are downed power lines, members of the public should contact the proper authorities.

Sussex County encourages the public to closely monitor the weather and adjust their plans, if necessary.

For the latest list of road closures, visit the Delaware Department of Transportation Web site at www.deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, visit Delmarva Power’s Web site at www.delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Web site at www.delaware.coop.

The Sussex County EOC requests that residents and property owners with photographs of flooding or other storm damage send them through the County Web site.

For further updates, stay tuned to local media outlets, the Sussex County EOC Web site, at www.sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness, or follow along on Twitter, at twitter.com/sussexde_govt.

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Media calls should be directed to EOC spokeswoman Debra Jones at (302) 855-7801 or Sussex County Chief of Public Information Chip Guy at pio@sussexcountyde.gov.