The aftermath of Hurricane Ida. City of Wilmington file photo
Hazardous weather is likely today, according to the National Weather Service, and it’s already closing some Delaware roads.
“The flooding will be notable both for its unusual intensity and particularly long duration, with concern lasting through at least Sunday morning before the elevated waters at last recede,” The Washington Post reported today.
“The storm could even bring the highest water levels observed in Delaware Bay, beating out any flood events tied to past hurricanes or winter storms,” it continued.
“The National Weather Service is forecasting water levels on Delaware Bay at Reedy Point to crest at 9.5 feet Friday evening, corresponding to major flood stage.” The post published a striking tweet from meteorologist Bill Karins.
The roads
In an alert just before noon Friday, the Delaware Department of Transportation listed four closed roads. By late afternoon, different roads were closed, and many more had high water.
New Castle closures:Ā Airport Road at None Such Creek and Fleming Landing Road
Kent closures:Ā Bridge on Cypress Point Road in Magnolia,Ā South Market Street in Frederica, Port Mahon Road in Little Creek and New Wharf Road in Woodland Beach.
Sussex closures: Ā River Road in Oak Orchard and theĀ Woodland Ferry.
Kent high water:Ā Big Stone Beach Road inĀ South Bowers, Sorghum Mill Road and East Lebanon Road.
Sussex high water:Ā Lighthouse Road inĀ Slaughter Beach,Ā Woodland Road at Woodland Ferry Road andĀ Country Club Road in Long Neck.
DelDOT urgesĀ motorists who encounter a flooded roadway or debris to contact the Transportation Management Center at #77.
The forecast
In New Castle County, thereās a coastal flood warning 3-9 p.m. and a wind advisory through 11 p.m.
Kent and Sussex counties have the same warnings, with the flood warning starting at noon.
The service is calling for 2 to 3 feet of inundation in New Castle and 1 to 2 feet downstate.
East winds 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected throughout Delaware. Rain adds to the misery today.
The forecast has some good news for trick-or-treaters: the prediction for Sunday night is mostly clear, with a low around 48 through the state.
