1700 Hours, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010: The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center is tracking two storms, including a tropical system, that together are expected to sock Delaware with a one-two punch of heavy rains and gusty winds during the next 36 hours.

National Weather Service forecasters expect a developing low-pressure system now approaching the Mid-Atlantic states, followed by Tropical Storm Nicole near Florida, to unload as much as 5 inches of rain across Delaware, beginning late tonight and lasting throughout most of Thursday. In addition to rain, the storms are expected to produce winds up to 25 mph, with gusts possibly as high as 50 mph, especially along the coast.

The rainfall – with locally heavier amounts possible – could pose the most significant problems, causing potential flooding in low-lying areas.

“If we get 3 to 5 inches of rain on top of the 2 to 3 inches of rain that we’ve already received this week, that’s going to be the issue,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “This definitely puts a dent in the recent dry spell, but this forecast is proof that you can have too much of a good thing.”

A flood watch and a high wind watch are in effect for Sussex County on Thursday. Minor tidal flooding is possible in the Delaware Bay, Nanticoke River and along the Atlantic oceanfront. Forecasters expect the wet weather to move out of the region late Thursday night, making way for clearing skies and cooler temperatures on Friday and this weekend.

Sussex County reminds residents and property owners to secure loose objects, such as lawn chairs and trash cans, to prevent storm winds from turning those items into potential projectiles. Also, residents in low-lying tidal areas should make sure submersible pumps are working and check storm drains to ensure they are clear of debris.

The Sussex County EOC encourages residents and visitors to monitor the weather, as forecasts can change. 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 feed at twitter.com/sussexde_govt. The public should also monitor the National Weather Service, at https://www.weather.gov/phi/, for the latest forecast.

For more information, please contact the Sussex County EOC 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.