Tropical Storm Hermine has moved away from the coast as Delaware was once again largely spared major damage.
The threat of high waves and beach damage continues. Forecasts now call for only a chance of rain in the next couple of days. Conditions are expected to be sunny in the state today.
Gov. Jack Markell Sunday lifted a State of Emergency for Sussex County as the storm moved out to sea. The National Weather Service canceled a Tropical Storm Warning for the entire State of Delaware and little rainfall fell, with northern Delaware seeing nothing .
Higher tides and rip currents are expected to continue with swimming likely to be banned. However, beaches will be open on the last day of the Labor Day weekend.
Markell had authorized the Delaware National Guard, in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, to pre-position in anticipation of the storm’s biggest effects in Delaware Sunday and Monday.
The State of Emergency declaration allows the Governor to deploy the Delaware National Guard, DelDOT, first responders, and other agencies to open and close roadways and take other actions. There are no restrictions on driving.
Earlier the Coast Guard urged mariners and members of the maritime community in the region to prepare for Hermine.
The Coast Guard urged pleasure craft operators are advised to seek safe harbor. Owners of larger boats are urged to move their boats to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or sustaining damage.
Boats that can be put on a trailer should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, emergency beacons, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted and precluded from assisting people who may be in distress, a Coast Guard release stated.
The Coast Guard captain of the port in each area in the projected path of the Hurricane Hermine is working closely with maritime industry to ensure that the port is ready for the storm’s arrival.
The Captain of the Port has set condition WHISKEY. During this port condition all maritime operations including waterfront facility and vessel transits may occur until further notice and are subject to prudent seamanship and safe working practices.
The storm could cause damage to the north of Delaware as it remains offshore.
