‘Limited’ state of emergency issued for Del.

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has issued a limited state of emergency for Sussex County as Tropical Storm Hermine approaches.

The state of emergency will take effect 5 p.m. Saturday. It will allow the deployment of the Delaware National Guard, DelDOT, first responders, and other agencies to open and close roadways and take other actions to protect public safety and property during the storm event.

We’re told this move will allow public safety, emergency response, and transportation agencies to position resources in affected areas.

“Tropical Storm Hermine is a powerful storm that will bring significant rainfall and localized flooding, especially in coastal and Delaware Bay communities in Sussex County,” Governor Markell says in a prepared statement.  “I encourage Delawareans and visitors to our state to take precautions and stay tuned to weather forecasts and transportation updates throughout the weekend.”

The National Weather Service has declared a Tropical Storm warning for the entire State of Delaware. 

Significant rainfall is forecast to fall in Sussex County from Saturday through Monday, with wind gusts as high as 50 miles per hour along the coast Sunday and Monday.

Residents and visitors should expect localized flooding along the coast and lower Delaware Bay during high tides on Sunday and Monday. 

Those in low-lying and flood-prone areas in coastal Sussex County and Delaware Bay communities in Sussex and Kent Counties are urged to pay special attention to changing conditions and have a plan in place should water levels begin to rise.

Officials say the State of Emergency does not impose driving restrictions at this time.