Potential Tropical Cyclone 16: What to expect, weekend timeline for coastal Delmarva

The National Hurricane Center has designated this coastal low as Potential Tropical Cyclone 16.

The brunt of the storm is likely to come Friday (9/22/23) after 10 p.m. and last until about 8 a.m. Saturday morning (9/23/23).

1 - A coastal storm will impact our region this weekend, starting Friday (9/22/23) and lasting through Sunday (9/24/2023). The most significant impacts will be to areas along the immediate coast on Saturday, in the form of coastal flooding and strong winds, along with periods of heavy rain.

2 - MAJOR coastal flooding is possible along coastal areas of Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware. The greatest concern for coastal flooding will likely occur during the Saturday afternoon high tide, around 2-3pm, but could linger into following high tide cycles on Sunday.

3 - Strong onshore winds are forecast on Saturday. Gusts 50-60 mph are possible across the immediate coastal areas and over the ocean waters; peaking up to 30-40 mph inland. Combined with coastal flooding, this could result in at least minor beach erosion, along with dangerous rip currents. A High Wind Warning has been issued for the coast with Wind Advisories up further inland for all coastal counties of Delaware and New Jersey. For our marine zones, dangerous winds and seas have warranted a Storm Warning and Gale Warnings for all waters.

4 - Periods of heavy rain are possible starting late Friday (9/22/23) into Saturday (9/23/23) morning, with the heaviest periods possible Saturday morning, and again later in the day. 2 to 3 inches of rain may fall across much of the region. However, with most of this falling over an extended period, the threat for flooding should be limited to the localized urban and small-stream variety in poor drainage areas.

Additional information and resources may be located at:

• Delaware Emergency Management Agency - https://dema.delaware.gov/emergencyPrep/index.shtml

• Make a Plan - https://preparede.org/make-a-plan

• Build a Kit - https://preparede.org/build-a-kit

• Stay Informed - https://preparede.org/stay-informed

• Resources - https://preparede.org/resources