Flood advisory in Delaware

A flood warning is in effect in Delaware for the Christina River at Cooch’s Bridge until late tonight or until the warning is cancelled, according to the National Weather Service.

As of 10:16 AM Thursday morning the river was at 8.8 feet. Flooding begins in the town of Christiana at 10 feet. Waters are expected to rise above the flood stage by this afternoon and continue to rise to more than 11 feet by late afternoon.

Flood advisories are also in effect across much of Delaware as rain moves through the region, threatening to raise already swollen waterways out of their banks.

State emergency officials are cautioning residents in low-lying areas to keep an eye on water levels.

“If you think it’s going to exceed the banks and come up into your yard or into your house then certainly think about gathering up your family members and your animals and any valuables and just go someplace where you know it’s going to be dry for the next 24 hours,” said Delaware Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Roseanne Pack.

The heavy rainfall could also flood highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage spots in low-lying areas.

Pack reminds motorists to never drive a vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway.

“Two feet of water moving at a rapid rate can actually move a vehicle,” she said. “There are more drownings that result during heavy rains and flooding than a hurricane because of people thinking, ‘oh, I can drive in this.’”