Hermine’s impact on Delaware beaches: powerful surf, beach erosion, great pictures

Heavy surf and some minor beach erosion will be the lasting memory of Tropical Storm Hermine on the Delaware beaches this Labor Day weekend.

Governor Jack Markell lifted the state of emergency Saturday night as the track of the storm was further east in the Atlantic Ocean than had been previously thought.

“I’m thankful that Tropical Storm Hermine has remained off the coast and its impact on our state has been minimal,” Governor Markell said.  The Delaware National Guard and other first responders from Sussex County and around the state had been put on alert as the storm first moved up the coast Thursday night and Friday morning.

Some minor flooding could still take place in some of the usual areas along the Delaware Bay.  For the most part the storm surge provided a jaw dropping spectacle on the power of the weather, even 300 miles off the coast.  Saturday was mostly cloudy with some rain. The storm did keep crowds down on beaches such as Rehoboth and Dewey.  But, people did want to come out and watch what the surf was doing to the coastline.  Some got a little too close and had to dig out cars buried in the sand.

Merchants are hoping Monday will bring more people out to make up for any lost business from the weekend.  Lifeguards are urging caution when going in the water.