1130 Hours, Thursday, March 10, 2011: A slow-moving storm system will drench Sussex County and the region with another dose of heavy rain through Friday morning, causing ponding on local roadways as well as minor flooding of low-lying areas.

National Weather Service forecasters have issued a flood watch for Sussex County through 7 a.m. Friday, calling for as much as two inches of rain to fall over the area in the next 18 to 24 hours. A storm moving up from the southwest will slowly make its way through the region into tonight, bringing with it downpours, gusty winds and the possibility of lightning.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Centers reminds residents and property owners, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to take precautions now, such as moving vehicles to higher ground, ensuring submersible pumps are working and clearing storm drains of any debris.

With this storm, and the ground saturated from other recent heavy rains, there is the possibility of fallen trees and downed power lines throughout the county. The public should be cautious, and should never approach downed power lines. Instead, contact the proper authorities.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, the Sussex County EOC Web site at www.sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness, and the County’s Twitter feeds at twitter.com/sussexde_govt and twitter.com/SussexCtyDE_EOC.

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Media calls should be directed to the EOC at (302) 855-7801 or Sussex County Chief of Public Information Chip Guy at (302) 854-5000.