A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for southeastern Sussex County until 2:30 p.m. June 27.

The National Weather Service located a thunderstorm over Dagsboro that is moving east. It’s expected to bring 60-mph winds and nickel-size hail to the region.

At 1:57 p.m., the NWS located a severe thunderstorm over Millville, New Jersey, seven miles north of Ocean City, moving east at 25 mph.

Hail could bring minor damage to vehicles and the high winds could damage roofs, siding, trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include Millville, Ocean View and South Bethany.

What is a severe thunderstorm warning?

A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm is occurring or about to occur with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail 1 inch in diameter or larger, the National Weather Service says. These storms can also bring heavy rain and, in some cases, flooding or flash flooding.

How to stay safe during a thunderstorm

• Seek shelter immediately and once inside, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment or plumbing.
• Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of power loss.
• Secure loose objects outside, as they can become dangerous during high winds.
• Bring pets inside, and if time allows, make sure fences are secure to prevent pets from escaping or running away.
• If in a car, ensure all windows are fully closed and refrain from touching radios, ignition systems or any metal parts connected to the vehicle’s exterior.

Delaware may be small, but its appetite for ice cream is far from it.  

The First State ranks second in the nation among the most ice cream-obsessed states, according to an analysis of search data trends. The Northeast dominates the rankings for ice cream enthusiasm, with neighboring states New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine all placing in the top 10. 

Results from the study show that colder-weather states in the Northeast consistently displayed high search interest in ice cream, challenging the assumption that warmer states would rank higher. At the lower end of the list, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Arkansas showed the least interest in ice cream.  

Here’s a closer look at trends in ice cream brands and flavors: 

Favorite ice cream brands by state and nationally 

State-level leaders 

In Delaware, Breyers is the most-searched ice cream brand, along with New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  

Halo Top, in particular, emerged as a leading brand in many states, reflecting a growing interest in lower-calorie dessert options. However, Cold Stone Creamery ranks first in more states than any other brand, primarily across the West and Midwest. Founded in Arizona, the company remains especially popular in western states. 

National rankings 

The most searched ice cream brand in the country is Halo Top, which leads national search interest in the overall rankings of ice cream brands. The result may reflect that consumers are becoming more calorie-conscious when choosing a sweet treat, as the brand has surpassed more established ice cream companies that have been on the market for decades.  

Cold Stone Creamery follows right behind. The brand has storefront locations nationwide and offers packaged products in the grocery aisle. At its retail locations, it’s an experience to watch your ice cream get crafted. Employees place the ice cream on a frozen granite slab and then fold, chop, and mix toppings, preparing the dessert right in front of customers’ eyes.  

And Delaware’s favorite, Breyers, ranks third in the nation. As the brand originated in 1866, it goes to show some ice cream lovers can’t switch up on the classics.  

Favorite ice cream flavors by state and nationally  

State-level rankings 

Strawberry ranks on top without a doubt, placing first in 16 states. The flavor is not concentrated in any single region, showing broad popularity across the country. Strawberry was actually the earliest documented “ice cream” flavor, originating in 1744, which consisted of iced cream and strawberries and continues to be the fan-favorite across many states.  

Helena Garan, of Binghamton, New York, is 84 years old and has been paddling the event for about 10 years.

“The sun is shining, little breeze, sometimes in your face, which makes paddling a little harder, but it’s rejuvenating being on the river. I just love it,” she said.

Fourteen-year-old Mila Schultz, who traveled from California to paddle the event with her grandparents, was one of the youngest participants.

“I feel like it’s an experience that has shaped me a little bit, and has made me feel comfortable in my own skin,” she said. “It also makes me appreciate nature and the people around me.”