Delaware faces significant hurricane and tropical‑storm risks due to low elevation and coastal exposure. This KCARC Hurricane Preparedness page provides official National Hurricane Center resources, critical emergency frequencies, storm‑readiness checklists, and safety guidance for Kent County residents. Even a near‑miss hurricane can cause storm surge, flooding, high winds, and dangerous coastal conditions — making preparation essential.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and even storms that make landfall far from Delaware can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and widespread flooding to Kent County. KCARC supports our community by helping residents stay informed, prepared, and connected before, during, and after severe weather..
KCARC Emergency Frequencies & Communications Resources
Monitor SKYWARN weather on: 147.090 (+) 156.7
KENT COUNTY EMERGENCY FREQUENCIES (All frequencies are in Mhz)
Kent County ARES Primary Repeater (Analog), and Skywarn Primary Repeater for Kent County 146.910(-) PL77
Kent County ARES Secondary Repeater (Analog) 146.970(-) PL77
Kent County ARES Tertiary Repeater (Analog) 444.550(-) PL77
Kent County ARES Primary Simplex (Analog) 144.915
Kent County ARES Secondary Simplex (Analog) 147.510
Statewide nets Primary HF Frequency 3.905 +/- LSB
Secondary HF Frequency 7.280 +/- LSB
Nation Wide Hurricane Frequencies:
20 meters: 14.325 Mhz – Hurricane Watch Net (Daytime hours) https://www.hwn.org/policies/activationplans.html
40 meters: 7.268 Mhz – Water Way Net (secondary, Nighttime hours)
80 meters: 3.815 Mhz – Caribbean Net
Even if a hurricane doesn’t pass directly over Delaware, it can still cause devastating impacts across our region. Storm surge, severe coastal flooding, high winds, inland flooding, tornadoes, large waves, and dangerous rip currents are all possible from a near‑miss system.
Much of Delaware south of the C&D Canal sits at low elevation, with some areas at or near sea level. Surrounded by water on three sides, the state is highly vulnerable to storm surge and coastal flooding when tropical systems approach.
- There are no tropical cyclones at this time.
No tropical cyclones as of Sat, 30 May 2026 17:30:43 GMT
- Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook
996 ABNT20 KNHC 301724TWOAT Tropical Weather OutlookNWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL200 PM EDT Sat May 30 2026For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of America:Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.$$Forecaster Berg
GMT time listed above is plus 4 hours from local EDT.
Real time Lightning Map
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Preparedness Checklists
Home Emergency Kit
Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3–7 days)
Non‑perishable food (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Cell phone(s) and chargers
Flashlights, lanterns, batteries
First aid kit & medications
Handheld ham radio (HT) with spare batteries
Home HF/VHF/UHF radio or mobile rig with power supply
NOAA Weather Radio
Backup power (battery bank or generator)
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene item
Important documents (IDs, insurance, medical info)
Tools, gloves, plastic sheeting, duct tape
Evacuation “Go Kit”
IDs, insurance, medical records
Cash
Clothing & sturdy shoes
Chargers & battery packs
Pet supplies
Printed communication plan
Maps of evacuation routes
Handheld ham radio (HT) with charged battery and backup battery
Pre‑programmed local repeaters and simplex frequencies
- Food / Water
- Matches
- Extra clothing
- First aid kit
- Medications
Vehicle Kit
Full tank of fuel
Jumper cables / Emergency flares / Fluorescent distress flag
Tire repair kit
Water & Food / snacks
- Paper maps
- Emergency blankets
- Mobile ham radio (if installed) or spare HT
- Charging cables for HT and phone
Communication Plan
A reliable communication plan ensures your family stays connected.
Identify an out‑of‑area contact
Share emergency numbers
Keep a printed copy in your kit
Sign up for local alerts (CodeRED, NWS)
Charge devices before the storm
SUMMER WEATHER SEVERITY AND TERMS
Thunderstorm & Tornado Terms
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Issued when a storm is producing or capable of producing winds of 58 mph or higher, hail 1 inch or larger, or dangerous lightning. Take shelter immediately.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms. Watches typically precede storms by several hours.
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or detected by radar. Seek shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor.
Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornado development. Stay alert and monitor updates.
Tropical & Hurricane Terms
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane‑force winds (74+ mph) are expected within 36 hours. Prepare immediately and follow local emergency instructions.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane‑force winds are possible within 48 hours. Begin preparations and review evacuation plans.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical‑storm‑force winds (39–73 mph) are expected within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical‑storm‑force winds are possible within 48 hours.
Storm Surge Warning: Life‑threatening coastal flooding is expected. This is one of Delaware’s most dangerous hazards due to low elevation.
Storm Surge Watch: Life‑threatening coastal flooding is possible.
Rip Current Statement: Strong, dangerous rip currents are expected along beaches.
Heat & Air Quality Terms
Excessive Heat Warning: Dangerous heat conditions where the heat index reaches levels that pose a threat to life.
Heat Advisory: Hot and humid conditions that may cause heat illness with prolonged exposure.
Air Quality Alert: Issued when pollution levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups or the general population.
Rain & Flooding Terms
Flash Flood Warning: Rapid, life‑threatening flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to higher ground immediately.
Flash Flood Watch: Conditions are favorable for flash flooding.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon.
Flood Advisory: Minor flooding is expected but still hazardous.
Marine & Coastal Terms
High Surf Advisory: Large waves capable of causing dangerous surf conditions and minor coastal flooding.
Coastal Flood Warning: Significant coastal flooding is expected, often from storm surge or strong onshore winds.
Coastal Flood Advisory: Minor coastal flooding is expected.
Disaster Preparedness links
Kent County – ARES/RACES Emergency Reference Sheet
Ham Radio: Emergency Communications Guide
State of Delaware: Hurricane Preparedness
National Weather Service (local area) : https://www.weather.gov/
NWS Storm Prediction Center: https://www.spc.noaa.
NOAA Weather Prediction Center (WPC): https://www.wpc.ncep.
NOAA National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.
Department of Homeland Security: Ready.gov : https://
The Outreach Department of The Mesothelioma Center has put together a great guide on what to know about asbestos during natural disasters, including risks associated with hurricane debris and asbestos.
https://www.asbestos.com/
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER A HURRICANE
Before:
Review your family emergency plan and evacuation routes.
Assemble your home emergency kit and evacuation go‑kit.
Charge all devices, battery banks, and handheld ham radios (HTs).
Program local repeaters, simplex frequencies, and KC3ARC emergency channels.
Secure outdoor items, trim loose branches, and protect windows.
Monitor official updates from the National Hurricane Center.
If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately.
During:
Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.
Keep your HT or mobile ham radio powered on for emergency communications.
Avoid using candles; rely on flashlights or battery‑powered lighting.
Do not go outside during the eye — winds will return suddenly.
Never drive through flooded roads.
Continue monitoring NHC advisories and local emergency instructions.
After a Hurricane
Use caution when going outside; watch for downed power lines and debris.
Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals.
Report hazards or emergency traffic via ham radio if normal communications are down.
Avoid floodwaters — they may contain debris, chemicals, or live electrical lines.
Document any damage for insurance purposes.
Continue monitoring official updates for recovery information.
KCARC supports emergency communications throughout Kent County during severe weather events.
Hurricane Preparedness – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main hurricane risks in Delaware?
Delaware faces storm surge, coastal flooding, high winds, inland flooding, and tornadoes from tropical systems. Even storms that pass offshore can produce dangerous conditions across Kent County.
Where can I find official hurricane forecasts?
Official hurricane forecasts come from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Their advisories include storm tracks, wind probabilities, surge forecasts, and watches/warnings for Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.
What is storm surge and why is it dangerous?
Storm surge is the abnormal rise of ocean water pushed inland by a hurricane’s winds. It can cause rapid flooding, road washouts, and make evacuation routes impassable, especially in low-lying and coastal areas.
When should I evacuate during a hurricane?
Evacuate immediately if ordered by emergency officials. In Delaware, flat terrain and low elevation mean roads can flood early, especially near the coast and tidal rivers. It is always safer to leave early than to risk being trapped by rising water or blocked roads.
What should I include in a hurricane go-kit?
A hurricane go-kit should include identification, medications, water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, chargers, cash, maps, and important documents. If you are a licensed amateur radio operator, include a handheld radio, spare batteries, and charging options.
How can amateur radio help during a hurricane?
Amateur radio provides communication when cell networks and internet service fail. KCARC supports emergency communications in Kent County, participates in SKYWARN weather