1600 Hours, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008: The fall season’s first major nor’easter continues to develop along the North Carolina coast this afternoon, and will begin to inch its way northwestward in the next 12 hours, spreading heavy rains, gusty winds and tidal flooding into Sussex County, Del., by Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, N.J., has issued a coastal flood watch and a wind advisory for Sussex County through Thursday evening. Strong, easterly winds gusting up to 50 mph, combined with astronomical tides, could cause minor to moderate flooding in low-lying areas, especially in the Inland Bays during the time of high tide.

Forecasts call for tides to run approximately 2 feet above normal. High tide will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Breakwater Harbor in Lewes.

The combination of the storm’s counterclockwise wind flow and the clockwise spin of high pressure to the north and east will push easterly and northeasterly winds into the mid-Atlantic coast through late Thursday night. Those conditions could persist into Friday.

In addition to the possibility of tidal flooding and strong winds, forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall – as much as 2 to 4 inches. However, the recent dry conditions should allow the ground to absorb most of that moisture. Meantime, 6-to-8-foot waves in the surf zone will lead to beach erosion and strong rip currents.

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.

“What concerns us with this system is not just the intensity, but the timing and duration,” EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “We could be looking at 12 to 14 hours of strong winds, heavy rain and water piling up along the coast and in the back bays. And the worst of the conditions could come late Thursday afternoon as we approach high tides. So 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 visitors to the area to closely monitor the weather and adjust their plans, if necessary. Additionally, ocean swimming is not advised, as surf conditions will be rough and beach patrols have ended coverage for the season.

Forecasters expect conditions to gradually improve Friday, but showers could linger into the early part of the weekend. Meantime, officials are monitoring the potential development of a tropical system in the eastern Caribbean. Mr. Thomas, though, said it is too soon to tell whether that system will have any effect on Sussex County later in the weekend or early next week.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, and the Sussex County EOC Web site, at sussexcountyde.gov/services/storm. Members of the public who have questions regarding this information should contact the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center at (302) 855-7801.

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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 (302) 854-5000.