Coastal Point reporters hit the streets to view the impacts of the nor’easter storm on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) asks residents to stay informed and follow directives from local authorities throughout the remainder of the severe weather. With continued concern for damaging winds and potentially major coastal flooding, there remains the potential for tree damage, power outages, roadway flooding and local evacuations.
The storm began on Saturday night and was forecast to continue through Monday night.
Indian River School District closed all schools on Monday, Oct. 13, due to flooding in coastal areas (12-month employees, with the exception of those working under a teacher contract, should report at their regular time).
As of Sunday, south coastal Sussex County seemed to dodge the heaviest rains that were originally forecast for the region. By 5:45 p.m., Bethany Beach and Indian River Inlet had accumulated about 0.33 inches, while north Millsboro, Dagsboro, Gumboro and Georgetown averaged about 0.75 inches.
But the northeast wind hit the Atlantic coast especially hard (in the past 24 hours) with gusts up to 41 on the Atlantic coast, compared to the mid-20s for the inland areas.
Water was seen on several roadways. Long Neck's Oak Orchard Road was closed between Delaware Avenue and River Road due to flooding. But Coastal Highway (DE Route 1) wasn't yet closed.
In Fenwick Island and Bethany Beach, high ocean waves crashed over the beach, covering most of the berm, and licking at the dunes. Inland areas saw higher flooding, as choppy bays churned against floating docks and rose up to backyards in many places.
“Substantial beach erosion and dune breaching is likely,” National Weather Service forecasters warned on Sunday morning. High seas of 15 to 20 feet were expected on the Atlantic coast, and potentially higher farther offshore.
Fenwick Island Mayor Natalie Magdeburger was out of the country this weekend, but told the Coastal Point via text Sunday evening on Sunday that she has been monitoring conditions and that her own street, on the town's bay side, was flooded, but "not too bad at this past tide cycle.
"I'm holding my breath for the next cycle," Magdeburger said.
The high winds and rough waters were expected to last through at least two more high tide cycles.
In Bethany Beach, dune crossings were closed as storm-tossed waters lapped at the base of the dunes. Mid-afternoon on Sunday, people stood atop the dune crossings watching the waves and taking photos.
Several enterprising children brought their skateboards to the boardwalk and used the winds to push them along the boardwalk. Some boardwalk businesses remained open for part of the day, but were closing as the afternoon wore on.
Delaware Seashore State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park were closed until further notice. Sunday afternoon, the campground at the Indian River inlet, part of Delaware Seashore State Park, was inundated with flooding from the Indian River Bay.
In Kent County, the mayor of Bowers Beach issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents east of Whitwells Delight Road.
The Delaware National Guard was activated to assist with emerging needs, as flood and wind continues to batter the region. The DEMA has been coordinating with state and local officials and is pre-positioning the Guard to deploy as needed.
“We’re monitoring the situation and proactively positioning additional resources to support counties and municipalities in safe-guarding residents,” commented DEMA Director, A.J. Schall. “DEMA will continue to alert the public with Watches and Warnings and other possible protective actions.”
Reception centers are open in Kent and Sussex counties, with shelter preparations underway, should evacuations be needed.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the American Red Cross are working in close coordination with local first responders, the counties, and state officials to ensure residents can access reception centers if needed.
Delaware beaches are under a high wind warning until 6 a.m. on Monday. The National Weather Service still forecasts northeast winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph. Damaging winds can blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. “Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive,” stated the NWS.
Inland Sussex and Delaware beaches are under a coastal flood warning until 8 p.m. Monday. That could include 2 to 3 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines, bays and tidal waterways. “At this level, flooding may become severe enough to cause structural damage, along with widespread roadway flooding near coastal and bayside communities, and near inland tidal waterways. Some locations may become isolated by the flood waters. Severe beach erosion and dune breaching is possible due to very high surf conditions,” stated the NWS.
“Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs.”
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