Major Flood
8 ft
Current Water Level
Gage Height
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Streamflow
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Last Reading
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This is an NWS forecast point (LID: LWSD1). Live data may be limited. View on NWS AHPS →
FLOOD STAGES
Know the flood categories.
Flood stages defined by the National Weather Service. Gage height data from USGS Water Resources.
Moderate Flood
7 ft
Minor Flood
6 ft
What Floods at Each Level
9.26 ft
(Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)) The level reached on January 23, 2016.
9.22 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on March 6, 1962.
8.75 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on January 4, 1992.
8.69 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on October 29, 2012 during Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy.
8.62 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on January 28, 1998.
8.49 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on February 5, 1998.
8.03 ft
(MLLW) The level reached on September 27, 1985 during Hurricane Gloria.
8 ft
(MLLW) MAJOR FLOODING. At this level, flooding starts to become severe enough to begin causing structural damage along with widespread flooding of roadways in the coastal communities of Sussex County. Vulnerable homes and businesses may be severely damaged or destroyed as water levels rise further above this threshold. Numerous roads become impassable and some neighborhoods may be isolated. The flood waters become a danger to anyone who attempts to cross on foot or in a vehicle.
7 ft
(MLLW) MODERATE FLOODING. At this level, widespread flooding of roadways begins due to high water and/or wave action with many roads becoming impassable in the coastal communities of Sussex County. Lives may be at risk when people put themselves in harm's way. Some damage to vulnerable structures may begin to occur. COASTAL FLOOD WARNING LEVEL.
6.8 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins in Milford along the Mispillion River. Flooding begins in Broadkill Beach, including DE Route 16. Flooding begins in Rehoboth Beach along Surf Avenue and along the boardwalk.
6.6 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins in Milton along the Broadkill River.
6.4 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins around the Mispillion Light and in Slaughter Beach. Flooding begins in Primehook Beach and along Primehook Road. Flooding begins along Bay Avenue, Cedar Street and Pilottown Road in Lewes. Flooding begins along Savannah Road (Business US Route 9) in Lewes in the vicinity of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal.
6.3 ft
(MLLW) COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY LEVEL.
6.2 ft
(MLLW) Flooding begins along sections of DE Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach, including the Delaware Seashore State Park. Flooding begins in Dewey Beach.
6 ft
(MLLW) MINOR FLOODING.
Impact statements from the National Weather Service, describing what typically happens at each water level.
7-Day Water Level Chart
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Historic Crests
| Date | Stage | Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2016 | 9.26 ft | — |
| Mar 5, 1962 | 9.22 ft | -9,999 cfs |
| Jan 3, 1992 | 8.75 ft | -9,999 cfs |
About This Gauge
NWS LID
LWSD1
River
Delaware Bay
County
Sussex, DE
Coordinates
38.7833°N, 75.1200°W
Get Flood Alerts for Delaware Bay
StormCast monitors this gauge and sends a push notification to your phone when the water level crosses into a new flood category — even at 3 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current water level of Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW)?
The Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW) gauge is maintained by USGS and reports water levels every 15 minutes. Visit this page to see the latest reading updated live, or download StormCast to get push alerts when levels rise.
What is flood stage for Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW)?
The NWS-defined flood stage for Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW) is 6 feet. Action stage begins at N/A feet. Moderate flooding starts at 7 feet, and major flooding at 8 feet.
How do I get alerts when Delaware Bay rises?
Download StormCast free on Google Play, go to River Gauges, and add Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW) to your watchlist. StormCast will send a push notification to your phone whenever the water level crosses into a new NWS flood category.
Where is the Delaware Bay at Lewes (IN MLLW) gauge located?
The gauge is located in Sussex County, Delaware at coordinates 38.7833°N, 75.1200°W. Data is provided by the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service.
More Gauges on Delaware Bay
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Source & Notes
Data provided by: NOAA National Ocean Service
- <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <style type="text/css"> .style1 {background-color: #FFFF00;} </style> </head> Please refer to our <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=CFW&format=CI&version=1&glossary=0"> <span class="style1">Coastal Hazard Message</span></a> for specific information regarding Coastal Flood Watches, Warnings and Advisories. Flood impacts are based on long-term averages. Actual impacts from any tidal flooding event may vary due to factors such as rainfall, wave action, and the number of tide cycles during which there is an onshore flow. During tropical cyclones, please refer <span class="style1"> <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=NWS&issuedby=PHI&product=TCV&format=CI&version=1&glossary=1">here</a></span> for additional storm surge information.
- <style type="text/css">.style1 { background-color: #FFFF00;}</style> During a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch or Warning, inundation mapping provided by the <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/"><span class="style1">National Hurricane Center</span> </a>reflects a reasonable worst case scenario. The experimental forecast above is the total water forecast that is expected to occur.