State urges residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is recommending that state residents keep an eye on Tropical Storm Elsa, expected to sweep up the Eastern seaboard today and tomorrow.

That’s on top of warnings from the National Weather Service to be on the watch for evening thunderstorms Wednesday that could have hail, damaging winds and heavy rain.

Elsa was crossing the state of Florida today before charging north.

While the updated track puts Elsa’s center west of Delaware, it could still mean a significant impact on Delaware. Last year, Tropical Storm Isaias spawned tornadoes, high winds and flash flooding in Delaware.

“Power outages are possible,” said a press release from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “Plan ahead now and be prepared. “

It recommended these steps:

Prepare your home 

• Secure loose outdoor items such as grills, trash and recycling cans, and patio furniture.
• Clear drains around your home to prevent flooding.
• Trim back trees and bushes to prevent storm damage.
• Have a plan for how to stay cool if the power goes out.
• If you have a generator, make sure that you have fuel and test it in advance.

Prepare your vehicle 

• Have a full tank of fuel
• Ensure tire pressures are correct
• Ensure that all lights are working.
• For road updates, go to https://deldot.gov/.

Charge electronic devices 

• Keep phones, radios, and electronic devices fully charged in case of power outages.
• Have portable power banks to charge electronic devices.   

Make a plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan 

• Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.
• Communicate and practice your plan with family.
• Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.

Make an emergency kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit 

• Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last more than 3 days.
• Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.

Stay informed 

• Have multiple ways of monitoring the weather through US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly.
• Make sure to register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) to receive important emergency alerts https://dema.delaware.gov/onlineServices/index.shtml?dc=dens.
• Monitor our social media pages and local officials if further actions are required.

For weather updates. go to weather.gov/phi.