The 2018 hurricane season is behind us, but that doesn’t mean residents along the First State coast can drop their guard.
Sussex County officials are reminding people the nor’easter season is getting underway and runs until March 2019.
And the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is asking residents to prepare now.
The center’s director Joe Thomas says these winter storms can do real damage in Delaware.
“Well for our area, typically, we tend to see more weather impacts from our winter coastal storms - or nor’easters - than we do from hurricane season. So we’re talking about cold weather, potential snow, winds and even some potential flooding issues,” said Thomas.
Thomas says Sussex County residents, especially in beach towns, or people who own property along the beaches, are encouraged to check supplies, monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action if directed to do so this winter.
He notes it’s been several years since Delaware has seen significant impacts from a storm, but last year we did see some moderate coastal flooding and some snowfall from one storm.
“Last year we had a nor’easter that brought some moderate coastal flooding and flooding in our back-bay communities, with some snowfall. So, it’s hard to predict sometimes when these are going to happen. It’s just a matter of how slow these storms are moving and where they are in relation to the coast,” Thomas said.
For more winter weather information and helpful tips, please visit the Sussex County website and click on the ‘Other Hazards’ link on the left to download a useful guide about preparing for winter storms and other types of hazardous events.