Delaware Governor Issues Limited State Of Emergency
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- Governor Jack Markell has issued a limited state of emergency for Sussex County, effectively immediately.
The governor says the state of emergency is due to moderate to major coastal flooding expected at high tides Friday and Saturday, along with high wind warnings along the coast.
Officials say state offices will remain open and no driving restrictions are being implemented, but localized road closures may occur.
Markell is urging residents of flood-prone areas of Sussex County to seriously consider taking precautionary measures, including evacuating voluntarily, or planning for potential evacuation.
The following is a list of flood prone areas:
Sussex County Ocean Coastal Communities
Areas within ¾ of a mile of the coast in the following communities:
Henlopen Acres
Rehoboth Beach
Dewey Beach
North Bethany
Bethany Beach
South Bethany
Fenwick Island
Sussex County Inland Bay Communities
Areas surrounding the Rehoboth Bay, Indian River and Little Assawoman Bay
Flood-prone areas south of Route 24 (John J. Williams Highway) including Angola, Long Neck and Oak Orchard
Flood-prone areas along Route 26 (Vines Creek Road and Atlantic Avenue)
Flood-prone areas along Route 54 (Lighthouse Road)
Sussex County Western Communities
Flood-prone areas in close proximity to the Nanticoke and Broad Creek Rivers
"Though predicted rainfall totals have dropped and the expected path of Hurricane Joaquin remains well off-coast, high winds and coastal flooding will significantly impact Sussex County," said Governor Markell.
"State and local officials are taking the necessary steps to prepare for possible evacuations and road closures and the National Guard has been deployed to Kent and Sussex Counties to support those efforts, as needed. Residents in flood-prone areas of the state should prepare accordingly and continue to monitor communications from state and local agencies for updates."
According to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) says its crews have been working during the past 24 hours to remove debris along roadways, clear storm drains and grates to reduce the potential for flooding, and have placed portable signs in areas where roads are flooded.
As of 10 p.m. Friday, DelDOT reports these roads are closed due to flooding:
New Castle County:
Woodland Beach Rd. east of Rt.9
Nonesuch Creek at Airport Rd.
Old State Rd. at Old Corbitt Rd.
Pyles Lane at Pigeon Rd.
Rt. 9 at Fleming Landing Bridge
Rt. 9 between Paddock Rd. and Woodland Beach Rd.
Kent County
North Market Street in Frederica
South Bowers Beach Rd. at Webbs Cut-off
Rt. 9 between Paddock Rd. and Woodland Beach Rd.
Port Mahon Rd. at Rt. 9
Rt. 6 between Rt. 9 and Woodland Beach Rd.
Sussex County – Rt. 1 southbound is now OPEN between Fred Hudson (Rd.360) and Dewey Beach
Rt. 1 northbound is CLOSED between Fred Hudson (Rd.360) and Dewey Beach
Primehook Rd.
Rt. 16 eastbound from Rt. 1 to BRd.kill Beach
Front St. in Milton
River Rd. between Rd. 297 and Rd. 312A
Longneck Rd.
For information on current road closures and restrictions, visit: http://www.deldot.gov/information/travel_advisory/#trafficBox2
DEMA says motorists should remember that conditions may change quickly and other roadways could flood or contain water. Use caution on all roadways and watch for standing water.
