Sussex County in southern Delaware along Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean faces direct hurricane and nor'easter exposure. Rehoboth Beach and other Delaware beach communities draw massive summer tourism creating seasonal population surge emergency planning requirements. The county has the highest rate of coastal flooding risk in Delaware. Sandy in 2012 caused major damage across the county. The Nanticoke River creates inland flooding risk.
// Preparedness Recommendations
- Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
- Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
- Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
- Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.
// Recommended Supplies
Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.
- Emergency Food Supplies
- Water Filtration & Storage
- Backup Generator
- Solar Backup Power
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// Risk Intelligence
| Threat Score | 6 / 10 Moderate Risk |
| Primary Hazard | Hurricane / Coastal Flooding |
| Secondary Hazard | Nor'easter |
| FEMA Flood Zone | High |
| Federally Declared Disasters | 7 |
| Last Major Event | Ida 2021 |
| Event Frequency | Annual |
// Emergency Operations
| Emergency Mgmt Phone | (302) 855-7801 |
| Emergency Shelters | 8 designated facilities |
| Evacuation Routes | DE-1 US-13 DE-26 DE-54 |
// County Profile
| County | Sussex County DE |
| State | Delaware (DE) |
| Population | 237 |
| Area | 938 sq miles |
| FEMA Region | High |
// Major Cities
// Cities in This County
Bridgeville DE
Hurricane / Agricultural Flooding
4/10
Moderate
Georgetown DE
Hurricane / Noreaster / Flooding / Poultry Industry
4/10
Low
Laurel DE
Hurricane / Flooding
5/10
Moderate
Lewes DE
Hurricane / Storm Surge / Coastal Erosion / Sea Level Rise
7/10
High
Milford DE
Flooding / Hurricane / Severe Storm
6/10
Moderate
Millsboro DE
Hurricane / Coastal Flooding
6/10
Moderate
Rehoboth Beach DE
Hurricane / Storm Surge / Coastal Erosion / Sea Level Rise
8/10
High
Seaford DE
Flooding / Hurricane / Severe Storm
6/10
Moderate