Dewey Beach · Weather, flooding and hazards

Dewey Beach, Delaware: weather, flooding and hazards

Weather, climate, flooding and hazards in Dewey Beach, Sussex County, Delaware: 20 questions answered from NOAA, the state and other official sources.

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Questions about weather, flooding and hazards in Dewey Beach

What is the climate like in Dewey Beach, Delaware?

Using NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals from the Lewes station, the nearest of the stations we use, the average January low is 30.2 degrees F and the average July high is 87.7 degrees F. Annual precipitation averages 47.28 inches. The station is not inside Dewey Beach, so readings in town can differ a little, especially near the water. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

How much snow does Dewey Beach get per year?

The 1991 to 2020 normal for the Lewes station, the nearest station we use, is 10.5 inches of snow a year. Individual winters vary a lot around that average. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

Is Dewey Beach in a flood zone?

Part of Dewey Beach may sit in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, and the answer depends on the address, so we do not give a town-wide yes or no. The USGS elevation at the town's Census center point is only about 7 feet, which is low ground. Look up a specific property in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and the DNREC Delaware Flood Planning Tool. Source: msc.fema.gov, floodplanning.dnrec.delaware.gov, epqs.nationalmap.gov.

Is Dewey Beach in a hurricane evacuation zone?

Delaware labels hurricane evacuation zones A, B, C and D, and describes them as low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storm surge. The state page does not list communities by zone, so we cannot say which zone Dewey Beach or a given address falls in. Use the Know Your Zone lookup tool or interactive map to check an address. Source: preparede.org, dema.delaware.gov.

What body of water is Dewey Beach on?

Dewey Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Rehoboth Bay on the west, according to the town's comprehensive plan. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

How big is Dewey Beach and how high above sea level is it?

The 2020 Census Gazetteer lists Dewey Beach at 0.331 square miles of land and 0 square miles of water. Elevation at the Census center point is about 7 feet above sea level (USGS 3DEP), and ground height varies across town. Source: www2.census.gov, epqs.nationalmap.gov.

Which National Weather Service forecast zone covers Dewey Beach?

The National Weather Service (Mount Holly office) places Dewey Beach in forecast zone DEZ004, Delaware Beaches, Delaware. This was read from the NWS point forecast page for the town's Census center point. Source: forecast.weather.gov.

At what water level does flooding begin in Dewey Beach?

The National Weather Service gauge Rehoboth Bay at Dewey Beach (DEWD1) lists minor flooding at 3.3 ft MLLW and says flooding begins at Old Landing, along parts of DE Route 1 and in Dewey Beach at 3.5 ft. The advisory level is 3.6 ft. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

What are the moderate and major flood levels at Dewey Beach?

On the Rehoboth Bay at Dewey Beach gauge, the National Weather Service sets moderate flooding at 4.3 ft MLLW, when widespread road flooding begins, and major flooding at 5.3 ft, with structural damage and isolated neighborhoods expected. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

Which FEMA flood map covers Dewey Beach?

The Town's flood page lists Community ID 100056 and FIRM map/panel 10005C0354K, with a FIRM panel date of 03/16/15. It says most of the town lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

Is Dewey Beach in the Community Rating System?

The Town's flood page says Dewey Beach participates in the CRS, so residents may get a premium reduction, but gives no class. The 2022 Sussex County hazard mitigation summary lists Dewey Beach as CRS class 9. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov, townofdeweybeach.gov.

How many repetitive loss properties does Dewey Beach have?

The December 2022 Sussex County hazard mitigation executive summary lists 31 repetitive loss properties for Dewey Beach and ranks flooding as the county's number one hazard. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

How long is the wait for a new flood insurance policy in Dewey Beach?

The Town's flood page says most NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period, so it advises buying before the next flood. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

What hurricane evacuation zone is Dewey Beach in?

The Town's hurricane safety page says all of Dewey Beach lies in the A Evacuation Zone. Orders come from local officials or the governor during a hurricane watch or warning. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

Can first responders reach Dewey Beach residents who ignore an evacuation order?

No. The Town's hurricane page says first responders cannot be dispatched during a storm to help anyone who ignored the order. It says an order may be given locally while the sun is shining. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

Are pets allowed in hurricane shelters used for Dewey Beach?

The Town's hurricane page says pets will not be allowed in public shelters. Alerts can be received by signing up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System through DEMA. Source: townofdeweybeach.gov.

What Lewes tide level floods Route 1 near Dewey Beach?

The National Weather Service Lewes gauge notes say flooding begins along sections of DE Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach, including Delaware Seashore State Park, and in Dewey Beach at 6.2 ft MLLW. Minor flood stage is 6.0 ft. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

Is Dewey Beach's beach rebuilt with sand?

Yes. DNREC lists Dewey Beach among six towns with federally cost-shared nourishment and among five in the large Atlantic projects since 2004. Periodic renourishment is typically every three to six years. Source: dnrec.delaware.gov.

How rainy is it near Dewey Beach?

NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals for the Lewes station show July as the wettest month at 4.95 inches and February as the driest at 3.17. There are 13.5 days a year with 1 inch or more of rain. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

How hot and cold does it get near Dewey Beach?

At the Lewes station, NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals show 29.2 days a year at 90 F or higher and 59.1 days at 32 F or lower. Annual mean temperature is 58.5 F. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

How these answers are sourced

Every answer on this page cites an official or primary source, such as the town, a state agency, NOAA or the institution itself. Answers SussexCounty.ai could not confirm from a primary source are left out until they can be.