Nor'easter impacting Delaware. 

A strong nor’easter is impacting those along the East Coast, bringing gusty winds, coastal flooding, high surf, and possible rain to parts of the Mid-Atlantic, including Delaware, and is expected through the weekend 

• Coastal flooding: Moderate flooding is possible during high tides, especially in low-lying areas and near the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. Water levels could be up to 1–2 feet above dry ground in some spots 

• Beach erosion: Large waves and strong winds will erode beaches from Assateague Island to the Delaware Beaches 

• Winds: Gusty northerly winds of 30–40 mph are expected along the coast, with some inland areas feeling gusts up to 40–60 mph 

• Rain: Showers are possible, especially if the storm tracks closer to shore. Rain totals could reach half a foot in the most affected areas 

• Surf: Offshore waves are forecast to reach 10–15 feet, with potential for ocean overwash in exposed areas 

Timeline of impacts:

Friday: Coastal flooding at high tide, gusty winds from New Jersey to Virginia Tidewater, and possible showers inland 

Saturday: Locally heavy rain, strong winds, and high tide flooding from New England to parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Some rain bands may extend westward into the Hudson Valley 

Sunday: Storm weakens but lingering rain and gusty winds possible over much of New England and parts of the Mid-Atlantic 

Expect breezy, cool conditions with possible showers, especially if the storm tracks closer to the coast 

Safety tips:

Avoid coastal areas during high tide cycles.

Secure loose outdoor items and be aware of rip currents.

Monitor local forecasts for updates on storm track and intensity.

This nor’easter could bring dangerous coastal conditions through the weekend, so residents should prepare for flooding, erosion, and strong winds.

Most of Delaware is under a coastal flood warnings and advisories as a nor'easter moves through the region.

• Sussex County and Kent County are under a coastal flood warning until 2 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. 

• New Castle County is under a coastal flood advisory until 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.

• Sussex and Kent counties will see 1 to 2 feet of water above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Residents should watch for widespread roadway flooding in coastal and bayside communities and along inland tidal waterways. Many roads may become impassable. Some damage to vulnerable structures may occur.

• New Castle County could experience minor tidal flooding, potentially leading to road closures, particularly on the most vulnerable roadways.

What is a nor'easter?

A nor'easter is a strong storm along the East Coast of North America where the storm's winds over coastal areas are typically from the northeast. The storms are most frequent and violent between September and April.

Nor'easters usually develop between Georgia and New Jersey, within 100 miles east or west of the East Coast. The storms progress northeastward and typically reach maximum intensity near New England and Canada.

The U.S. East Coast is a breeding ground for nor'easters. According to the National Weather Service, the polar jet stream transports cold Arctic air southward across the plains of Canada and the United States, then eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean, where warm air from the Gulf of America and the Atlantic tries to move northward. This difference in temperature between the warm air over the water and cold Arctic air over the land is the fuel that feeds nor'easters.

The storms bring precipitation in the form of heavy rain or snow, gale-force winds and rough seas. The storms can also cause coastal flooding in impacted areas. 

Other safety messages include:

• Turn Around Don't Drown - https://irvfc.com/gallery/detail?id=54693.