NEWS

Sunday's Point-to-Point, NASCAR get wet with heavy rain, flood watch

Jessica Bies
The News Journal

The National Weather Service declared both a flash flood watch and coastal flood advisories for Delaware early Sunday as the rain slowly ramped up and began falling harder. 

Widespread rain, expected to be heavy at times, will continue to spread through Delaware Sunday. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be possible through the afternoon, creating the potential for flooding.

Flash flooding is also possible where very heavy rain falls in a short period of time.

Widespread rain, expected to be heavy at times, will continue to spread through Delaware Sunday.

Storms coming Saturday, Sunday promising a wet day at Monster Mile, Point-to-Point

The flash flood watch currently extends until 4 p.m. 

Up to 1 foot of saltwater inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Wave heights off the coast are forecast to be 4 to 7 feet. Wave heights on Delaware Bay should be 2 to 3 feet.

High tide occurs between about 10 p.m. in coastal Kent and Sussex counties. The advisory there goes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. In New Castle County, where high tide is later, it goes from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Rain will taper off through the latter portion of Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening.

AAA Mid-Atlantic urges motorists to be cautious when driving in rainy weather: 

  • Avoid driving through standing water and flooded roads. Even shallow water can damage and/or disable your vehicle, and floodwaters can rise very quickly. 
  • Avoid driving in storms or high winds.
  • Drive with your headlights on. 
  • Maintain an extra-large amount of space around your vehicle, and increase your following distance. This will give you more time and room to respond to other drivers’ sudden maneuvers.
  • Reduce your speed to account for the reduced tire traction on wet roads.
  • If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, gently ease off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel as straight as you can.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. 

Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.