Tropical Storm Ophelia causes coastal flood warning for southern Delaware, New Jersey

Anthony DiMattia, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·3 min read

It's going to be a rough weekend along the East Coast if forecasters are correct.

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for areas of southern Delaware and the Atlantic coast of southern New Jersey through Saturday due to a potential tropical cyclone that has formed off the coast.

Widespread coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, and locally heavy rain are expected this weekend along the East Coast.
Widespread coastal flooding, strong to damaging winds, and locally heavy rain are expected this weekend along the East Coast.

Coast flood warning in effect through Saturday

Tropical Storm Ophelia likely will cause major coastal flooding for areas of Kent and Sussex counties. A few locations in coastal areas of Atlantic and Cape May counties in New Jersey may flirt with major coastal flooding levels, forecasters said.

A coastal flood advisory also has been issued for Wilmington and other parts of northern Delaware as well as parts of South Jersey, including Cumberland County, according to the weather service.

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How much wind is in the forecast?

High-wind warnings with gusts between 50 and 60 mph are in effect for coastal portions of Delaware and New Jersey from Friday through Saturday evening. Wind advisories with gusts between 40 and 50 mph also are in effect for inland coastal counties, including Kent and Sussex counties as well as Atlantic and Cape May counties in New Jersey.

The strongest winds are expected from mid-morning through early afternoon Saturday. Downed trees and power lines resulting in localized power outages are possible, mainly close to the coast, forecasters said.

How much rain can we expect?

The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread 2 to 3 inches of rain across the region from Friday night through Sunday.

Occasional heavy rain will move north Saturday morning with another round of downpours possible for late in the day. The rain showers will continue into Sunday and begin to taper off by Sunday night.

What is the risk of tornadoes?

While the storm is likely to bring heavy wind gusts, the chance of tornadoes is low, forecasters said.

A tornado risk remains minimal and likely will be restricted to southern Delaware and Maryland.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Tropical Storm Ophelia 2023: Coastal flood warning advised in Delaware