Delaware is still bracing to feel some effects from Hermine.
Residents up and down the state woke to sunshine and lighter winds – a reflection that the storm has – for now - stayed further out in the Atlantic Ocean.
But the First State remains under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Rain and wind are possible Sunday into Monday, especially in coastal Sussex County. But Sussex County emergency management officials say the current track should spare the area from heavy rains and storm-force winds.
“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 in a statement. “Forecasts can change quickly, so the public should keep an eye on Hermine until it pulls away for good or dissipates.”
The forecasted rain amounts have been knocked down to less than an additional inch and winds will be even less a factor to the west and north.
The biggest remaining threat is from storm surge – which could push tides 3 to 5 feet above normal at the beaches Sunday night into Monday and create flooding issues.
Significant beach erosion is also expected from the storm surge.
Gov. Jack Markell’s limited state of emergency in Sussex County remains in effect. That does not come with driving restrictions.
And at the Delaware beaches today, people were allowed on the beach, but not in the water due to rough surf and rip currents.
The National Weather Service says Hermine is expected meander off the coast until midweek when it finally pulls away and head northeast in the Atlantic.
