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Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW)

National Weather Service gauge LWSD1 · Delaware · Sussex County · 38.7833, -75.1200

Stage at this gauge is reported IN MLLW.

Flood levels

Official flood levels at this gauge: minor flooding begins at 6.0 ft; moderate flooding begins at 7.0 ft; major flooding begins at 8.0 ft.

Minor flooding6.0 ft
Moderate flooding7.0 ft
Major flooding8.0 ft

Highest recorded crests

What the water does

National Weather Service impact statements for this gauge, in the Weather Service's own words.

6.0 ft(MLLW) MINOR FLOODING.
6.2 ft(MLLW) Flooding begins along sections of DE Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach, including the Delaware Seashore State Park. Flooding begins in Dewey Beach.
6.3 ft(MLLW) COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY LEVEL.
6.4 ft(MLLW) Flooding begins around the Mispillion Light and in Slaughter Beach. Flooding begins in Primehook Beach and along Primehook Road. Flooding begins along Bay Avenue, Cedar Street and Pilottown Road in Lewes. Flooding begins along Savannah Road (Business US Route 9) in Lewes in the vicinity of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.
6.6 ft(MLLW) Flooding begins in Milton along the Broadkill River.
6.8 ft(MLLW) Flooding begins in Milford along the Mispillion River. Flooding begins in Broadkill Beach, including DE Route 16. Flooding begins in Rehoboth Beach along Surf Avenue and along the boardwalk.
7.0 ft(MLLW) MODERATE FLOODING. At this level, widespread flooding of roadways begins due to high water and/or wave action with many roads becoming impassable in the coastal communities of Sussex County. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in harm's way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur. COASTAL FLOOD WARNING LEVEL.
8.0 ft(MLLW) MAJOR FLOODING. At this level, flooding starts to become severe enough to begin causing structural damage along with widespread flooding of roadways in the coastal communities of Sussex County. Vulnerable homes and businesses may be severely damaged or destroyed as water levels rise further above this threshold. Numerous roads become impassable and some neighborhoods may be isolated. The flood waters become a danger to anyone who attempts to cross on foot or in a vehicle.
8.0 ft(MLLW) The level reached on September 27, 1985 during Hurricane Gloria.
8.5 ft(MLLW) The level reached on February 5, 1998.
8.6 ft(MLLW) The level reached on January 28, 1998.
8.7 ft(MLLW) The level reached on October 29, 2012 during Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy.
8.8 ft(MLLW) The level reached on January 4, 1992.
9.2 ft(MLLW) The level reached on March 6, 1962.
9.3 ft(Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)) The level reached on January 23, 2016.

Forecast office: NWS Mount Holly · River Forecast Center: Middle Atlantic River Forecast Center.

A NOAA tide station shares this spot: LEWES (BREAKWATER HARBOR), with tide predictions and official flood levels.

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