Delawareans are gearing up for the impending weather, hoping the power lines can be resilient against strong winds.
"It's just a nice sunny walk on the boardwalk day," shared Cindy Wooleyhan of Rehoboth Beach on Monday afternoon, noting the current calm before the storm.
However, this tranquil view is expected to vanish rapidly with the looming heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Concerned neighbors have taken precautions, acknowledging the potential impact. "Sixty-mile-an-hour wind, that scares me, that's a lot," expressed Melinda and Andrea, who recently invested in a generator for preparedness.
Kevin Williams, Rehoboth Beach's Public Works Director, emphasized the importance of securing loose items that could become hazardous projectiles in the looming high winds. "We spent a lot of time today clearing off storm inlets, tying down anything loose that could fly away," he stated.
At Delaware Electric Cooperative, employees in the dispatch center are bracing for a potentially lengthy situation. "Mother Nature can surprise us at any moment," Lauren Irby, Delaware Electric Media Relations Manager, mentioned, highlighting the unpredictability.
Irby said the cooperative will keep a close eye on our coastal communities. "Every threat we treat as if it could be the worst-case scenario because we don't want to under-plan for such an event," she noted.
Despite the impending storm, some residents find excitement amid the chaos. "I know the surfers will be thrilled for the waves," Wooleyhan remarked.
Delaware Electric recommends residents prepare for three to four days without power as a precautionary measure.
"If you have medications, ensure they're in a Ziploc bag for quick access during evacuation. Prepare supplies for your pets, along with sufficient food and water," she advised. "We hope to avoid prolonged outages, but severe storms bring uncertainty."
Irby also cautioned against indoor or garage use of generators, citing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As Delaware remains on high alert for the impending severe weather, residents and authorities remain vigilant, preparing for whatever Mother Nature might bring forth.
