South Bethany · Weather, flooding and hazards

South Bethany, Delaware: weather, flooding and hazards

Weather, climate, flooding and hazards in South Bethany, 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 South Bethany

What is the climate like in South Bethany, 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 South Bethany, so readings in town can differ a little, especially near the water. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

How much snow does South Bethany 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 South Bethany in a flood zone?

Part of South Bethany 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 3 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 South Bethany 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 South Bethany 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 South Bethany on?

The town's western boundary follows the Assawoman and Jefferson Creek Canals. In the 1950s the developer drained marsh and built roads and canals for residential lots. Source: archives.delaware.gov.

How big is South Bethany and how high above sea level is it?

The 2020 Census Gazetteer lists South Bethany at 0.503 square miles of land and 0.02 square miles of water. Elevation at the Census center point is about 3 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 South Bethany?

The National Weather Service (Mount Holly office) places South Bethany 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 South Bethany?

The National Weather Service gauge at Jefferson Creek at South Bethany Beach (SBED1) lists minor flooding at 2.6 ft MLLW and says flooding begins in South Bethany at 2.8 ft. The coastal flood advisory level is 2.9 ft. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

What are the moderate and major flood levels at South Bethany?

For the Jefferson Creek gauge at South Bethany Beach, the National Weather Service sets moderate flooding at 3.6 ft MLLW, with widespread roadway flooding, and major flooding at 4.6 ft, with possible structural damage and isolated neighborhoods. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

How high did the water get at South Bethany during Hurricane Sandy?

The National Weather Service gauge notes list 5.71 ft MLLW at Jefferson Creek at South Bethany Beach on October 29, 2012, during Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy. That is above its 4.6 ft major flood level. Source: api.water.noaa.gov.

Which FEMA flood map panels cover South Bethany?

The Town's flood protection page points to FIRM Panel 514 for the west side and Panel 518 for the east side. Residents can check their classification at Town Hall, 402 Evergreen Road. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

Which parts of South Bethany flood first?

The Town's flood page names Ocean Drive, where rising tides breach the dune line starting at the south end, the lateral streets leading to US Rt. 1, Jefferson Creek (which may rise about two to four feet) and areas along the Assawoman Canal. It lists Sandpiper Pines as higher ground. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

Does South Bethany offer free flood reviews for property owners?

Yes. The Town's flood page says the Code Enforcement Constable, (302) 539-3653 ext. 102, provides free property flood reviews on request. South Bethany participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

How much notice does a hurricane watch or warning give South Bethany?

The Town's emergency page says a hurricane watch means conditions are expected, usually within 36 hours, and a warning means within about 24 hours. It says to leave if local officials tell you to. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov.

How dangerous is floodwater on South Bethany streets?

The Town's emergency page warns that only 6 inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet. It says to turn around at a flooded road and not to drive through flooded streets. Source: southbethany.delaware.gov, southbethany.delaware.gov.

Was South Bethany under evacuation orders for Hurricane Irene and Sandy?

Yes. Sussex County's August 2011 Irene evacuation listed South Bethany along the Route 1 corridor, and Delaware's October 2012 Sandy order covered flood-prone ocean communities within three quarters of a mile of the coast, including South Bethany. Source: sussexcountyde.gov, news.delaware.gov.

Is South Bethany's beach nourished with sand?

Yes. DNREC lists South Bethany among six towns with federally cost-shared beach nourishment, and one of the towns in the large Atlantic projects since 2004. Periodic renourishment is typically every three to six years. Source: dnrec.delaware.gov.

How many days a year reach 90 degrees F near South Bethany?

NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals for the Lewes station list 29.2 days a year with a high of 90 F or more and 59.1 days with a low of 32 F or colder. The station is not in South Bethany, so readings in town can differ. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

When does it snow near South Bethany?

At the Lewes station, NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals show February as the snowiest month at 6.5 inches, then January at 2.0, with 1.0 inch each in March and December and none from April to November. Source: ncei.noaa.gov.

How much sea level rise does Delaware plan for?

Delaware Geological Survey lists three planning scenarios from the 2017 DNREC committee, relative to 2000: by 2100, 1.71 ft (low), 3.25 ft (intermediate) and 5.02 ft (high). Source: dgs.udel.edu.

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.