Sussex County is seeing what could be record-breaking coastal flooding, near-hurricane force winds and a mixture of snow, sleet and rain.
Flooding and some damage to homes were reported.
A winter storm warning, coastal flood warning and high wind warning remain in effect for Sussex County through Sunday morning,
Tidal flooding is occurring in coastal areas. Meantime, winds of 50 mph, with gusts to hurricane-force of 74 mph, are possible into Saturday night.
The County has kept the Level 1 driving advisory in Sussex County, but many areas are impassable with motorists asked to stay off roads.
The major effects of this nor’easter in Sussex County have been significant flooding – a near-record level of 9.2 feet at Lewes at the eight a.m. high tide, just shy of the 9.22-foot record set in the historic March 1962 nor’easter.
Numerous dune breaches have occurred along the Atlantic coast, forcing the closure of Route 1 south of Dewey Beach. Low-lying communities around the Inland Bays are seeing flooding.
Due to the deteriorating conditions and the storm’s effects, Sussex County and Delaware emergency planners have designated Sussex Central High School as a shelter. Pets are accepted.
Shelters will be staffed by the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula (www.redcrossdelmarva.org). Anyone needing assistance relocating to the shelter should contact the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center’s storm hotline at (302) 856-7366.
Meantime, the Delaware National Guard has the pre-positioned equipment, including heavy-duty vehicles, to assist in any storm-related issues.
The public was advised to stay tuned to local television and radio stations, as well as the Sussex County website at www.sussexcountyde.gov, for updated information.
