165 Brick Store Landing Road
 Smyrna, DE 1997

302-659-DEMA (3362) or 1-877-SAY DEMA

FAX 302-659-6853

                        NEWS

            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
            April 14, 2007                                                                CONTACT:            Rosanne Pack
                                                                                                                      (302) 222-6573                                                                                                   

COASTAL FLOOD WARNING ISSUED
DELAWARE OFFICIALS WATCH WEEKEND WEATHER

Delaware emergency management officials and responders are closely monitoring a major storm system that is moving across the south toward the southeast and mid-Atlantic. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for coastal Delaware from 6 a.m. Sunday, April 15, through 2 a.m., Monday, April 16. The flood warning applies to the three counties and the City of Wilmington.
A flood warning is issued when moderate or severe flooding is imminent or expected within the next 12 hours. The warning for Delaware is issued starting at 6 a.m., Sunday. A flood watch issued earlier will remain in effect for northern New Castle County into Monday.
For those living along the coast or in low-lying areas or areas with a history of flooding are advised to closely monitor weather reports and conditions and to be prepared to move to areas of safety well in advance of any hazards that may develop. Kent and New Castle counties are predicted to receive up to three inches of rain with precipitation beginning in southern Delaware late Saturday afternoon. Sussex County is expected to receive two inches of rain through the course of the storm. Heaviest rainfall is predicted in the overnight hours of early Sunday morning.
Delawareans are reminded that they should not drive through areas or on roads that are flooded. Washed out roadways and sink holes are often hidden from view and even water that appears to be moving slowly can sweep vehicles off of a roadbed.
This storm is accompanied by high winds. According to the National Weather Service, winds in Delaware are expected to be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts of 40 mph. Residents are reminded that the strength of gusts can vary significantly from individual area to area, and for a short period of time.
Outdoor cookers, lawn furniture and ornaments should be secured or moved into a sheltered area. Such items can act as projectiles and be blown through windows.

Outdoor pets that do not have adequate shelter from rain and wind should be moved indoors or into sturdy shelter overnight and until the more intense storm period has passed.
Until the storm system passes, Delaware Emergency Management Agency will remain in communication with all local emergency management officials and representatives of emergency medical services, transportation, law enforcement, responders and other relevant agencies and utilities.
Residents are advised to review their household emergency plans and their emergency supplies before the intensity of the storm arrives. They should make sure they have adequate light sources in case of power outages. All households should keep at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable foods for all family members and pets. A family/friends communication plan should include contacts outside of the area predicted to be affected by the storm.
The storm is expected to move north and east out of Delaware by Sunday afternoon, but residents can use this event to check and test emergency plans and supplies.
For more information on preparedness, check the DEMA website, www.state.de.us/dema, and follow the menu to brochures.

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