Late-season nor’easter hits region with winds and rain, causes some flooding

1330 Hours, Monday, May 12, 2008: An unusual spring nor’easter continues to affect Sussex County this Monday afternoon, toppling trees, knocking out power, flooding low-lying areas and eroding area beaches.

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, N.J., has continued a coastal flood warning for Sussex County through 8 a.m. Tuesday. Meantime, a high-wind warning is posted for the county through 4 p.m. today.

Weather forecasters are predicting higher-than-normal tides to cause minor to moderate tidal flooding along the Inland Bays and Delaware beaches during this afternoon’s high-tide cycle. Meantime, wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph.

Floodwaters and winds should subside into Tuesday as the storm moves away.

Officials with the Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Transportation and Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continue to monitor the storm, and encourage the public to use caution if traveling on area roadways during the next 12 to 24 hours. An already saturated ground combined with strong winds could easily knock over trees, obstructing or damaging roadways.

“I think a major concern is going to be water on the roads and some debris, such as downed tree limbs. We want to make sure the public is aware of this, and avoids traveling if possible until the storm passes,” said Joseph L. Thomas, director of the Sussex County EOC.

Some moderate tidal flooding has been reported in the Slaughter Beach and Long Neck communities, which are prone to flooding during these events. No evacuations, however, have been ordered in those communities, nor are they necessary. Emergency managers have not opened shelters, but are prepared to activate such facilities if it becomes necessary.

Thousands of power interruptions have occurred throughout the county as a result of the storm. Crews for both the Delaware Electric Cooperative and Delmarva Power continue their work to restore electricity to those affected customers.

Additionally, several school districts have announced early dismissal this afternoon as a result of the storm. Those districts include Cape Henlopen, Indian River, Milford and Sussex Tech school districts.

Delaware State Police and the Department of Transportation report three road closures as of 1 p.m. today. Those include:

  • County Road 209 at Del. Route 36, in the area of Slaughter Beach (water on roadway);
  • County Road 224 at Del. Route 36, in the area of Slaughter Beach (water on roadway);
  • County Road 312, in the area of Oak Orchard (water on roadway).

Possible high tide flooding later today could prompt other closures, including Del. Route 1 in the beach area, said Tina Shockley, spokeswoman for the Delaware Department of Transportation. That will depend on this afternoon’s tide cycle.

Cpl. Wes Barnett, state police spokesman, advised that if motorists must travel, they should allow extra time and avoid passing through areas that are under water.

“Most area roads are passable right now, but conditions could change as the storm continues,” Cpl. Barnett said. “We have had numerous reports of downed wires, trees and tree limbs in roadways, and we also have had flooding on some streets and highways. Motorists need to use their best judgment when traveling, and they should prepare for the possibility of delays throughout this event.”

County residents 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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