09/25/2026
Calling all Coastal Delawarean Citizen Scientists!
As this Nor’ester affects the Delaware coast through the weekend of September 25th-27th, 2026, DNREC’s Shorelines and Waterways Section needs your help documenting storm impacts.
The Coastal Observer app powered by the University of Delaware and the Delaware Sea Grant is a great way to share community observations of flood water levels, erosion, storm damage, debris and weather conditions – data that can be useful in informing future flood mapping, resilience and mitigation planning efforts.
If you are safely observing storm impacts from your home or another safe location, we’d love your help! Download the free Coastal Observer app and share a photo of what you’re seeing in your neighborhood.
🚫 This is not a call to action to get out into dangerous conditions. Your safety comes first!
Nor’easter safety reminders:
• Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially during periods of heavy rain, flooding or strong winds.
• Never walk or drive through floodwater. Water levels and currents can change quickly, and flooded roads may be impassable.
• Stay away from beaches, jetties, dunes, piers and other exposed coastal areas. High surf and rip currents can be extremely dangerous.
• Keep away from downed power lines and report hazards to the appropriate authorities.
• Follow local weather alerts and instructions from emergency management officials.
As always, you can explore your FEMA Flood Zone and Sea Level Rise maps on the Delaware Flood Planning Tool. If you are looking for ways to improve your home’s resiliency to severe weather, get your personalized recommendations from Delaware Coastal Programs’ I-ADAPT!
You don’t have to leave your home to be a citizen scientist! Your observations from a safe location can help us better understand how coastal communities experience flooding and storm impacts.
Stay safe, Delaware! 💙