Flooding Concerns Subside In Delaware, Driving Restriction Downgraded
DOVER, Del. (CBS/AP) — Emergency management officials in southern Delaware say there are no reports of major problems or injuries from coastal flooding brought by a winter storm that pummeled the mid-Atlantic region.
Governor Jack Markell downgraded the driving restriction to a Level 1 warning at 10 a.m. Sunday morning. According to state law, a Level 1 warning states anyone driving must exercise extra caution. All nonessential employees, public and private, are encouraged not to drive unless there's a significant health, safety or business reason to do so.
"Our DelDOT crews have done outstanding work today in the midst of challenging conditions," Markell said. "I'm grateful for all that they have achieved today, as well as for the tremendous efforts of emergency responders, health officials, and the more than 260 National Guard members on duty for the storm. I also thank those in Sussex County who have opened the shelter at Sussex Central."
Significant flooding in Sussex County continues to represent significant challenges for residents in coastal areas. More than 50 people have evacuated their homes. Officials say Sunday morning's coastal high tide, the third of the storm period, did not cause any significant issues.
About 50 people were evacuated from the flood-prone Oak Orchard area Saturday. Parts of other low-lying areas that are prone to flooding during storms remained underwater Sunday morning, but officials said conditions were improving and that there were no major problems.
Delmarva Power said Sunday that it never carried out plans to cut electricity to hundreds of customers in Ocean City, Maryland, on Saturday night because of submerged equipment after field personnel determined it was not necessary.
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