Flash Flood — Sussex, Delaware

2001-08-11 to 2001-08-12 · near Southwest Portion, Sussex, Delaware

Wider weather episode

Slow moving thunderstorms with torrential rains inundated southwestern Sussex County during the late afternoon of the 11th. Doppler Radar storm total estimates reached 8.4 inches around Seaford. Aside from the far northeast and southeast part of the county, storm total estimates exceeded 3 inches in the rest of the county. The torrents led to flooding of streams and an eventual dam failure around midnight EDT on the 12th. About a dozen municipal streets were closed because of the flooding including Delaware State Route 20. About Midnight EDT, the 100 year-old dam on Hearns Pond gave way. The 60 acre pond drained out and a bulkhead along U.S. Route 13A was undercut by the flood waters which then undermined the roadway. The flooding caused extensive damage to the historic Hearns and Rawlings Mills. Fifteen patients of a nearby nursing home were evacuated to the second floor. U.S. Route 13A was closed and was expected to take until Friday the 17th to be repaired and reopened. The Bridgeville Branch flooded and covered the North Cannon Street Bridge in Bridgeville. Storm totals included both 5.30 inches in Georgetown and Greenwood and 4.95 inches in Delmar. Damage was estimated at $1.1 million dollars. Farmers also feared the heavy rain may have damaged vine crops (melons and cucumbers). No serious injuries were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5268675. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.