Delaware state officials are urging residents to be aware and prepare for potential flooding Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 9-10, from a major storm that could bring at least 1 to 3 inches of rain. The heaviest rainfall expected to fall Tuesday night.

The combination of heavy rain on already-saturated ground with rivers running higher could lead to widespread and significant flooding. 

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. Widespread flooding from excessive rainfall is possible for the Delaware beaches, inland Sussex, Kent and New Castle counties. In addition, damaging south to southeast winds could produce gusts 40 to 50 mph inland and gusts up to 65 mph for coastal areas. A storm watch is in effect for all marine zones, with dangerous seas building 15 to 20 feet Tuesday night lingering into Wednesday.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center will monitor the situation and is prepared to address any issues that may arise. The EOC would like to document the extent of the flooding and are asking for reports and photographs be submitted to jthomas@sussexcountyde.gov. 

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency has resources available at www.preparede.org about flooding. The National Weather Service also offers flood safety tips to help everyone prepare. Homeowners are urged to clear gutters and drains as well as check sump pumps to make sure they are working properly.

“Having multiple rain events over the course of a few weeks has created the possibility for serious flooding with Tuesday’s storm,” said A.J. Schall, DEMA director. “Take time today to prepare and make sure you are weather aware and follow the directions of local officials.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “Drivers should be alert to the possibility of flooded roads during this storm and not attempt to drive through them. Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions. DelDOT will be monitoring road conditions throughout the storm and will be ready to respond. Flooded roads can be reported to the Transportation Management Center by calling #77.” Go to deldot.gov/map for traffic cams and information about water on roadways.

DEMA is monitoring weather conditions and will work with county emergency management officials to respond and address any emerging needs. DelDOT will update road closure information and issue travel advisories on its website, WTMC 1380 AM and the DelDOT mobile app.

Delaware Electric Cooperative issued a warning to its customers Jan. 9, that they should be prepared for power outages. 

As a coastal state with the lowest average elevation in the U.S., flooding is the most common weather hazard in Delaware. For a map of flood-prone areas in Delaware, go to de.gov/floodrisk. Residents in these areas should monitor the weather and prepare to move to higher ground if necessary. Motorists are reminded to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if they encounter flooded roadways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.