1500 Hours, Friday, Sept. 5, 2008: Tropical Storm Hanna continues its trek toward the eastern United States and is forecast to pass directly over Sussex County, Del., within the next 24 hours, spreading heavy rains and strong winds along its path.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the movement of Tropical Storm Hanna, now forecast to come ashore along the South Carolina/North Carolina border early Saturday morning. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center expect the storm to then travel up into the Chesapeake Bay region later in the day.

Rainfall amounts of 4 to 6 inches, with sustained winds of 40 mph to 50 mph, are likely, with the heaviest weather expected during the afternoon and evening hours. Gusts to 60 mph are possible, particularly in coastal areas.

The combination of heavy rains and strong winds could cause flooding in poorly drained areas, topple trees and disrupt power throughout parts of the county.

“Sussex County is going to see wind, we’re going to have rain, and we’re going to have power outages,” EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “We’re going to have some problems, but fortunately the storm is not forecast to strengthen significantly, and it should move through the region very quickly. We believe that will lessen the effects and keep damage to a minimum.”

A tropical storm warning and a flood watch are in effect for Sussex County through Saturday. Minor tidal flooding, some beach erosion and strong rip currents are likely during the event. Forecasts are calling for tides to run approximately 1 to 2 feet above normal.

The first effects of the storm are expected to begin as early as this evening, with rain increasing during the overnight hours. Rain and winds will become heavier Saturday morning, and last into the evening. The storm should begin to clear the region late Saturday, with conditions improving Sunday.

With this storm, there is the possibility of flying debris, 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 reminds residents and property owners to prepare now by securing 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.

Sussex County is encouraging visitors to the area, especially those who are camping, to closely monitor the weather and be prepared to take appropriate action. Additionally, swimming is not advised this weekend, as surf conditions will be rough and many area beach patrols either have limited staffs or have ended coverage for the season.

Travel throughout the day Saturday is not advised.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, and the Sussex County EOC Web site, at sussexcountyde.gov/services/storm. Public and media should also monitor the National Weather Service, at https://www.weather.gov/phi/.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the storm’s progress, and will remain in contact with the National Weather Service, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and local officials. Extra staff and dispatchers for the county 911 center are on standby, and will be brought in early Saturday morning.

County residents and visitors are urged to call 911 only in emergencies. Those with storm-related calls – to report downed trees or power lines, flooding or power outages – can call the EOC’s non-emergency telephone line at (302) 856-6306.

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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.