Coastal Flood — Inland Sussex, Delaware

2023-09-23 · Inland Sussex, Delaware

Event narrative

Widespread roadway flooding was reported in the tidal areas of the county, and there were numerous road closures. Many homes and other buildings were surrounded by flood waters with some minor property damage occurring. The tide gauge at Lewes reached 7.01 feet MLLW, the tide gauge at Dewey Beach reached 5.00 feet MLLW, the tide gauge at Rosedale Beach reached 6.09 feet MLLW, the tide gauge at Indian River Inlet reached 5.75 feet MLLW, and the tide gauge at South Bethany reached 3.63 feet MLLW.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Ophelia drifted northward from eastern North Carolina into southeastern Virginia on the afternoon and early evening of September 23. Meanwhile, strong high pressure was centered in Quebec. The pattern resulted in a steady onshore flow along the coast of Delaware, causing widespread tidal flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1130730. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.