1600 Hours, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009: The fall season’s first major nor’easter continues to form along the South Carolina coast this afternoon, and will begin to inch its way northward in the next few 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 high wind watch for the immediate Sussex County coastline; meantime, a wind advisory is posted for inland areas until Friday. Strong, northeasterly winds gusting as high as 60 mph, along with minor to moderate flooding in low-lying areas such as the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay, are possible.

Forecasts call for tides to run approximately 2 feet above normal over the next several tide cycles. High tide will be at 7:11 p.m. Thursday at Breakwater Harbor in Lewes, and again around 7:39 a.m. Friday.

In addition to the possibility of tidal flooding and strong winds, forecasters are predicting heavy rainfall – as much as 2 to 3 inches – throughout the day Thursday. However, the recent dry conditions should allow the ground to absorb most of that moisture. The most severe conditions are expected to last through Friday morning, but drizzle and breezy conditions could persist into the weekend.

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.

“Nor’easters are routine troublemakers for our area, not just because they can bring quite a bit of rain and wind, but because they can do it for such an extended period,” EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “We could be looking at the better part of a full day of strong winds, heavy rain and water piling up along the coast and in our back bays. 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 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.

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.