Delaware Emergency Preparedness Guide 2026

America's First State is also one of its lowest and most flood-prone. Delaware's mean elevation—just 60 feet above sea level—makes it extraordinarily vulnerable to coastal flooding from hurricanes, Nor'easters, and rising seas. The state's beloved beach communities, from Rehoboth to Fenwick Island, sit in the crosshairs of Atlantic storms. Meanwhile, the Delaware Bay coastline and inland river valleys face their own flood threats. In Delaware, understanding water—and how quickly it can invade—is the foundation of emergency preparedness.

Delaware's Low-Lying Vulnerability

Geography defines Delaware's disaster risk. The state is essentially flat, with its highest point reaching only 448 feet in the northern Piedmont region near the Pennsylvania border. Much of Sussex County in southern Delaware lies just a few feet above sea level. When major storms push water ashore, there's simply nowhere for it to go.

Delaware has two distinct coastlines: the Atlantic Ocean beaches in Sussex County (Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island) and the longer Delaware Bay shoreline stretching from Cape Henlopen to the Christina River. Both are vulnerable to storm surge, though the mechanisms differ. Atlantic storms push surge directly onto ocean beaches, while Delaware Bay flooding often results from water being forced up the bay during strong northeast winds.

Climate change is exacerbating Delaware's flood risk. Sea levels along the Delaware coast have risen nearly a foot in the past century and are accelerating. Higher baseline water levels mean storm surge reaches further inland than it did a generation ago. What was once a "100-year flood" now occurs more frequently.

Primary Disaster Threats

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Delaware lies in the path of Atlantic hurricanes that curve northward along the East Coast. While the state is less frequently struck than states further south, the impacts when hurricanes do arrive can be devastating. The low elevation means even modest storm surge causes widespread flooding.

Hurricane Sandy (2012) demonstrated Delaware's vulnerability. Though Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, Delaware's coast experienced severe erosion and flooding. Rehoboth Beach and other coastal communities saw significant damage. The storm reshaped beaches and barrier islands, destroying dunes that had taken decades to build.

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Delaware's greatest hurricane risk occurs in September and October, when storms curving up the Atlantic coast are most likely to strike the Mid-Atlantic region.

Nor'easters

Nor'easters affect Delaware more frequently than hurricanes and can cause comparable damage. These winter storms bring different impacts to different parts of the state: heavy snow in northern Delaware (New Castle County), and rain, wind, and flooding in southern Delaware (Sussex County).

Coastal flooding during Nor'easters can be particularly severe because the storm's counterclockwise winds push water into Delaware Bay for 12-24 hours. This prolonged wind setup creates flooding that sometimes exceeds hurricane impacts. The combination of high astronomical tides and storm surge during Nor'easters has produced the highest water levels ever recorded in Delaware Bay.

The "Snowmageddon" storms of February 2010 demonstrated Nor'easter power in Delaware. Back-to-back blizzards dumped over 20 inches of snow on the Wilmington area, collapsing roofs and stranding vehicles. The storms caused hundreds of millions in damage across the Mid-Atlantic.

Flooding: The Constant Threat

Flooding is Delaware's most frequent and widespread disaster. Sources include:

Coastal storm surge: Both Atlantic and Delaware Bay coastlines flood during tropical systems and Nor'easters. Beach communities, bay-front properties, and low-lying marsh areas are most vulnerable.

River flooding: The Christina, Brandywine, and other rivers flood during heavy rain events, affecting Wilmington and surrounding communities.

Tidal flooding: Increasingly common during high tide events even without storms, as sea level rise pushes normal high tides into previously dry areas.

Flash flooding: Urban and suburban areas with extensive impervious surfaces flood rapidly during intense rainfall.

Severe Thunderstorms

Delaware experiences severe thunderstorms from spring through fall, producing damaging winds, large hail, and occasional tornadoes. While tornadoes are relatively rare (averaging about 2 per year), they do occur and can cause significant damage to unprepared communities.

Regional Preparedness

Sussex County (Beach Communities)

Hurricane and coastal flood preparedness is paramount. Know your flood zone. Have evacuation routes planned and leave early when storms threaten. Flood insurance is essential for property protection. Beach erosion during storms can be rapid and severe.

Kent County (Dover Area)

Mixed threats from both coastal flooding along Delaware Bay and inland flooding from rivers. The agricultural landscape can experience rapid runoff during heavy rain. Kent County serves as an evacuation destination for beach communities, so be prepared to host displaced residents.

New Castle County (Wilmington Metro)

River flooding is the primary concern, particularly along the Christina and Brandywine rivers. Winter storms deliver more snow than southern Delaware. Urban flash flooding affects developed areas. Aging infrastructure increases vulnerability to power outages.

Building Your Delaware Emergency Kit

General Emergency Supplies

• Water: one gallon per person per day, 7-day supply
• Non-perishable food for 7 days
• Manual can opener
• NOAA weather radio with battery backup
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit with medications
• Portable phone chargers
• Cash in small bills

Coastal Residents: Hurricane Kit Additions

• Important documents in waterproof container
• Go-bag packed and ready for evacuation
• Property documentation for insurance claims
• Full gas tank before storm season
• Plywood or storm shutters for windows

Winter Storm Supplies

• Backup heat source with fuel
• Extra blankets and warm clothing
• Snow shovel and ice melt
• Vehicle emergency kit

Emergency Resources

• Delaware Emergency Management Agency: (302) 659-3362
• National Weather Service Philadelphia: (856) 309-8696
• Delaware 511: deldot.gov/traffic
• Delmarva Power Outages: delmarva.com
• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Red Cross Delmarva: (302) 656-6620

Taking Action Now

1. Check your flood zone status at FEMA's flood map center
2. Purchase flood insurance—don't wait for a storm forecast
3. Plan evacuation routes from coastal areas
4. Build emergency kits using our Emergency Kit Calculator
5. Calculate water needs with our Water Storage Calculator
6. Protect important documents in waterproof storage
7. Know your neighbors and community resources