Coastal Flood — Delaware Beaches, Delaware

2021-10-29 · Delaware Beaches, Delaware

Event narrative

Widespread moderate and locally major flooding occurred in the tidal areas of Sussex County. There were many road closures with the flood waters affecting numerous homes and businesses. The tide gauge at Lewes reached a level of 7.08 feet MLLW. The tide gauge at Dewey Beach reached a level of 5.73 feet MLLW. The tide gauge at Indian River Inlet reached a level of 5.79 feet MLLW. The tide gauge at Rosedale Beach reached a level of 6.37 feet MLLW. The tide gauge at South Bethany reached a level of 4.14 feet MLLW. The tide gauge at Fenwick Island reached a level of 3.92 feet MLLW.

Wider weather episode

Strong high pressure located in eastern Canada and slow moving low pressure approaching from the southeastern states resulted in a prolonged onshore flow along the Middle Atlantic coast. Moderate to major flooding occurred in the tidal areas of Delaware on the afternoon and evening of October 29.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 986553. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.