Saturday, August, 26 2012

Nature: Inclement Weather Erodes Waterfront Property

Location: Oak Orchard

Address: Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966

On Saturday, August 26th, as one of the many emergency incidents within the Indian River VFC, for the periods of excessive water flowing from higher ground to lower requirements. The voluminous nature of the water was the direct result of appropriately 9 inches of rainwater that fell.

At the end of Oak Orchard Road and the Indian River Bay accumulative approximately 2.5 foot to water run-off causing a significant flooding condition that impacted many residential structures, residential and the closure of Oak Orchard Road, River Road and others.

However, one residential structure was significantly impacted because the swift current of the rushing water created an erosion problem impacting a public boat ramp, a residential bulkhead, and a residential structure.

The fire company was requested to evaluate the concerns and recommended evacuation of the residential occupants to ensure safety until the end of the flooding situation. The fire company also directed the utility company to disconnect the power source in case the residential structure would give way.

Illustrated herewith are various photographs highlighting the erosion situation from early morning to mid evening hour.

Additional information may be obtained via the following website:

http://www.wmdt.com/story/19380121/oak-orchard-experiences-severe-flooding

See Video Clip via WMDT Channel 47

http://www.wmdt.com/story/19380121/oak-orchard-experiences-severe-flooding?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7655967#.UDtKOrsjTG0.email
 

Oak Orchard Experiences Severe Flooding

Posted: Aug 26, 2012 6:22 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 26, 2012 6:31 PM EDT By Jemie Lee 

OAK ORCHARD, Del. - Delaware saw some of the more serious flooding from Saturday night's storms. "It has been worse, but it has never been rain water. It's always been tidal water coming in and going out, but this is the first time I've ever seen rain water to this volume," Indian River Volunteer Fire Company President Patrick Miller said.

More than 10 hours of rain pounding the area, affected hundreds of homes in the Oak Orchard community. River and Oak Orchard roads were closed off and officials say waters rose to more than three feet high.

One home in particular experienced heavy erosion. "It will develop into a sinkhole. If you look at the foundation of the house, you can see where the water is coming down under it and gradually eroding that all out of here. He had a boat trailer here earlier in the day, but he was able to get that out. But it did fall down into the area that has eroded," Miller said.

The homes right along the Indian River Bay are not elevated, and because of a lack of foundation, the water has flooded the first level of their homes. The water is receding at a slow pace, so the main concern is water damage and mold. "Mold and water remediation probably is $10,000 to $15,000 at a minimum. To elevate the house and prohibit this from happening again, can cost $50,000 to $100,000 depending on how high you want to move it," Miller said.

DelDOT is assessing damages and road conditions and will reopen the roads when they are deemed safe.

Oak Orchard Family Experiences Worst Flood Since The 1970's

Posted: Aug 26, 2012 6:41 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 26, 2012 6:46 PM EDT

OAK ORCHARD, Del. - A family in the Oak Orchard community woke up to more than 13 inches of rain outside their home.

Natalie Blakely has lived in the same residence for more than 30 years. She says the last time they've seen flooding this bad was back in the 1970's, when her children were very young. Now, her daughter's children have had a similar experience.

"There was like a really big thunder, and it just scared me a whole lot. I just got really scared last night - it was just a really bad night," 9-year-old Alexis Buckley said.

"The water came in fast - started around 3 in the morning and by 6, we were knee deep in our garage. So this is the worst rain we've had ever," homeowner Paul Buckley said.