Sussex County escapes worst effects of coastal storm

Residents, vacationers and emergency managers are breathing a collective sigh of relief as a lumbering post-tropical cyclone Hermine has charted a course into the Atlantic, further east than expected, sparing Sussex County and the Mid-Atlantic from heavy rains and storm-force winds. But its presence may yet be felt through Labor Day and beyond as rough seas carve away at area beaches and threaten to cause flooding in some low-lying communities.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Sussex County until further notice. The storm is more than 300 miles offshore, so its effects are likely to remain rough seas, dangerous rip currents and minor-to-moderate coastal flooding during high tide, forecasters say.

"This is certainly a better outcome given the forecasts leading up to today. But just because the sun is shining doesn't mean our guard should go down," said Sussex County Emergency Operations Center Director Joseph L. Thomas. "Forecasts can change quickly, so the public should keep an eye on Hermine until it pulls away for good or dissipates."

Sussex County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the situation, and remains in contact with Delaware emergency planners, the National Guard, and local fire companies to have personnel and equipment on standby for any response, if needed.

The EOC reminds those in vulnerable and low-lying areas to be prepared for possible flooding, particularly during high tides Sunday night and late Monday morning along the Atlantic beaches and back bays. Areas that historically flood, including Long Neck, Broadkill Beach and Primehook, could see minor to moderate flooding – one to three feet above normal – through at least Labor Day morning, possibly longer if the storm lingers off the coast through mid-week as forecasters expect. As the storm moves north and east, winds will turn from the northeast to a more northerly and then northwesterly direction, helping to drain water that has been pushed ashore and into the lower Delaware and Inland bays.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, as well as the Sussex County website at www.sussexcountyde.gov. The public also should monitor the National Weather Service, at www.weather.gov/phi and the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov for the latest forecasts.

Meantime, Sussex County offers a variety of social media outlets, which are a great resource for up-to-date storm information. Please follow along at: www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE, www.facebook.com/SussexCountyEOC, and www.facebook.com/SussexCountyEMS on Facebook; and www.twitter.com/sussexde_govt, www.twitter.com/SussexCtyDE_EOC, and www.twitter.com/SussexCoDE_EMS on Twitter.