Coastal restrictions and closures in Delaware as storm brings high surf, wind and flooding

# What the warnings say Sussex counties and added wind, surf, flood and rip current warnings for Delaware beaches as a storm develops to the south. Forecasted conditions include six- to 12-foot waves, up to two feet of coastal flooding, dangerous rip currents and wind gusts up to 50 mph. These warnings were in effect through Friday and Saturday.

# What's closed or restricted Delaware State Parks closed all dune crossings at Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Parks until further notice. Those dune crossings provide direct access to the surf and are closed because of high surf and the potential for rapid, hazardous water movement.

Rehoboth Beach officials asked people to stay off beaches and suspend all water-related activities. The city also advised residents and visitors to secure outdoor items that could be blown away by strong gusts and to exercise extra caution on the roads. City crews were placed on standby to assist with storm preparation and cleanup.

# Ferry schedule impacts The Cape May–Lewes Ferry canceled multiple departures for Wednesday due to forecasted high winds. The canceled sailings were:

• From Cape May: 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• From Lewes: 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.

Passengers were directed to check cmlf.com for the latest schedule and additional cancellations.

# Why the closures matter now High surf and strong onshore winds increase the risk of coastal flooding, beach erosion and fast-moving rip currents. Dune crossings are vulnerable to wave action and can become impassable or dangerous quickly. Closing access points and pausing water activities reduce the chance of rescues and vehicle or pedestrian exposures to hazardous conditions.

# What agencies recommend

# Practical steps for residents and visitors

• Avoid beach access and stay off dunes while warnings are active. Waves and surge can reach areas that are normally safe.

• Secure or bring inside loose outdoor furniture, signage and trash cans.

• Ferry travelers should verify sailings on the Cape May–Lewes Ferry website before heading to the terminal.

# Short-term outlook Warnings remained in effect through the upcoming Friday and Saturday window. Local officials were positioning crews to respond to storm impacts, and closures were set to remain until conditions improve and parks can be inspected and re-opened safely.

Stay tuned to local alerts and the ferry website for schedule changes, and add mobile numbers to DENS through Smart911 for direct emergency notifications.