Delaware appears to have avoided the worst possible effects of Hermine.
The Tropical Storm Warning has been lifted for most of the state. It remains in effect in Sussex County.
Gov. Jack Markell (D-Delaware) has also lifted the limited state of emergency he put in effect in Sussex Saturday at 5 pm.
“I'm thankful that Tropical Storm Hermine has remained off the coast and its impact on our state has been minimal," Markell said in a statement. "I want to thank the first responders, emergency management staff, Delaware National Guard, DelDOT crews and others for working to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during this storm event. We remain prepared to take any necessary action to protect public safety and property as Hermine remains in our region over the next few days."
Residents up and down the state saw sunshine and lighter winds Sunday – a reflection that the storm has remained further out in the Atlantic Ocean. Sussex County emergency management officials say the storm's track spared the area from heavy rains and storm-force winds.
“This is certainly a better outcome given the forecasts leading up to [Sunday]. 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 biggest remaining threat is from storm surge – which could push tides well above normal at the beaches Sunday night into Monday and create some flooding issues.
Significant beach erosion is also expected from the storm surge.
And at the Delaware beaches Sunday, 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.
