Delaware Bans Non-Emergency Travel, Closes Bridge For Inspection

GEORGETOWN, Del. (CBS/AP) -- Delaware Gov. Jack Markell is concerned about flooding from up to a foot of rain expected from Hurricane Irene, in addition to a storm surge.

He's telling Delawareans to "find someplace safe to be, get there now, hunker down and be prepared to be there for a while."

Markell visited two shelters in northern Delaware, containing a total of about 130 people. Sussex County officials report about 600 people in shelters in southern Delaware.

Markell said the Indian River Inlet Bridge would close at 4 p.m. to all but emergency traffic so divers can inspect pilings on the bridge, which will be replaced by a bridge under construction. The pilings may be damaged from the flow of water around them, a process called scouring, which will intensify during the hurricane.

Level 2 driving restrictions were also instituted. Level 2 driving restrictions will be in place in Sussex County starting at 6 p.m.; then in Kent County starting at 8 p.m.; and in New Castle County starting beginning at 10 p.m. This means that non-emergency travel will be prohibited. Those who are evacuating from flooding or flood-prone areas, including to shelters, are exempt.

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