The following is a list of tropical cyclones that affected the U.S. state of Delaware. Since reliable records began, no

tropical cyclone A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. Depend ...

has struck the state while maintaining hurricane intensity, and only two storms since 1851 caused hurricane-force winds in the state. The state often experiences the direct effects of landfalling

North Atlantic tropical cyclone An Atlantic hurricane, also known as tropical storm or simply hurricane, is a tropical cyclone that forms in the Atlantic Ocean, primarily between the months of June and November. A hurricane differs from a cyclone or typhoon only on the basis of ...

s and from the remnants of some Pacific storms, such as rainfall or strong winds, as well as the effects of storms that remain offshore, such as rip currents or heavy surf. Since 1749, at least 111 tropical cyclones, some of which had become

extratropical Extratropical cyclones, sometimes called mid-latitude cyclones or wave cyclones, are low-pressure areas which, along with the anticyclones of high-pressure areas, drive the weather over much of the Earth. Extratropical cyclones are capable of p ...

, have affected the state, including 21 which passed over the state.

List of tropical cyclones

Pre-1900

*October 21, 1749 – A hurricane impacted the Mid-Atlantic, and impacts were observed in Delaware, but it's unclear at what strength the storm was when it impacted the state. *Fall, 1783 – Nine large ships crash near

Cape Henlopen Cape Henlopen is the southern cape of the Delaware Bay along the Atlantic coast of the United States. It lies in the state of Delaware, near the town of Lewes, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Off the coast on the bay side are two ...

during a gale, killing several people. *September 2, 1785 – A hurricane causes 181 deaths in the state. Whether or not it made landfall is unknown. *September 3–5, 1815 – A

tropical storm A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. Depend ...

passes over extreme southeastern Delaware. Effects, if any, are unknown. *September 3, 1821 – The eye of the Norfolk and Long Island Hurricane moves directly over Cape Henlopen for 30 minutes. *August 17, 1830 – A hurricane that passes to the east of the state capsizes three ships along the Delaware capes. *August 28–31, 1839 – Several ships are washed ashore in

Lewes Lewes () is the county town of East Sussex, England. It is the police and judicial centre for all of Sussex and is home to Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Lewes Crown Court and HMP Lewes. The civil parish is the centre of ...

during a hurricane that parallels the

East Coast of the United States The East Coast of the United States, also known as the Eastern Seaboard, the Atlantic Coast, and the Atlantic Seaboard, is the coastline along which the Eastern United States meets the North Atlantic Ocean. The eastern seaboard contains the coa ...

. *September 8, 1846 – Rough seas and troubled shipping in the

Delaware Bay Delaware Bay is the estuary outlet of the Delaware River on the northeast seaboard of the United States. It is approximately in area, the bay's freshwater mixes for many miles with the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is bordered inlan ...

are caused by a hurricane offshore. *October 13, 1846 – A

hurricane A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. Depend ...

crosses over northwestern Delaware, with its powerful winds toppling the steeple of a church in New Castle. The hurricane's storm surge, which is considered the worst in 70 years, floods lowlands in the northern portion of the state. *July 18, 1850 – Rough seas are reported along the Delaware Bay due to a hurricane passing to the west of the state. *August 4, 1850 – A hurricane crosses the state, causing gale-force winds along the coast. *September 8, 1850 – Many ships report calls of distress due to powerful winds from a hurricane. *August 20, 1856 – A tropical storm parallels the coastline of the

Delmarva Peninsula The Delmarva Peninsula, or simply Delmarva, is a large peninsula and proposed state on the East Coast of the United States, occupied by the vast majority of the state of Delaware and parts of the Eastern Shore regions of Maryland and Virginia ...

, though impact, if any, is unknown. *September 28, 1861 – After weakening from a hurricane, a tropical storm moves northward through Delaware. Effects are unknown. *September 19, 1863 – A tropical storm crosses the state from south to north. Effects are unknown. *October 28, 1872 – A tropical storm crosses the state, with no known effects. *September 29, 1874 – With winds of , a tropical storm moves across Delaware. *October 5, 1877 – An extratropical storm, once a

Category 3 hurricane Category, plural categories, may refer to: Philosophy and general uses *Categorization, categories in cognitive science, information science and generally *Category of being * ''Categories'' (Aristotle) *Category (Kant) *Categories (Peirce) *C ...

, crosses the state, causing several ship wrecks in the

Chesapeake Chesapeake often refers to: *Chesapeake people, a Native American tribe also known as the Chesepian * The Chesapeake, a.k.a. Chesapeake Bay *Delmarva Peninsula, also known as the Chesapeake Peninsula Chesapeake may also refer to: Populated plac ...

and Delaware Bays. *October 23, 1878 – The

Gale of 1878 The Gale of 1878, was an intense Category 2 hurricane that was active between October 18 and October 25. It caused extensive damage from Cuba to New England. Believed to be the strongest storm to hit the Washington - Baltimore region since hurr ...

, which makes landfall on

North Carolina North Carolina () is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. The state is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and So ...

, brings hurricane-force winds to the entire state of Delaware. The storm drops over 3 inches (75 mm) of rainfall in the northern portion of the state, flooding portions of Wilmington. The winds and rain from the storm damages or destroys many houses statewide. The flooding washes out railroads, roads, and bridges, and destroys many carriages in

Dover Dover () is a town and major ferry port in Kent, South East England. It faces France across the Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel at from Cap Gris Nez in France. It lies south-east of Canterbury and east of Maidstone ...

. Crop damage is severe, as well. The strong winds wreck four ships, in total killing 14. A 7-foot (2.1 m) storm surge in Lewes drowns four when they can't escape the rising waters.

Beach erosion Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land, or the long-term removal of sediment and rocks along the coastline due to the action of waves, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other impacts of storms. The landward ...

is severe, as well. Across Delaware, the hurricane kills 18 and causes $45,000 in damage (1878 USD, $1 million 2008 USD). It is one of only three storms to bring hurricane-force winds to the state. *August 18, 1879 – A Category 2 hurricane parallels the Delmarva Peninsula after striking

, though effects, if any, are unknown. *September 23, 1882 – A tropical storm crosses over southeastern Delaware. Impact, if any, is unknown. *June 23, 1886 – A tropical depression moves across the state, with no known impact. *September 11, 1888 – An extratropical storm crosses the state. *September 9–12, 1889 – After moving northwestward for much of its life, a large hurricane approaches the East Coast of the United States, moves southwestward, and dissipates to the east of

Virginia Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth ar ...

. The hurricane causes severe waves and a powerful storm surge, damaging life guard stations and wrecking or washing 31 vessels ashore. The death toll "would probably exceed 40", while damage totals $570,000 (1889 USD, $13.6 million 2008 USD). *October 10, 1894 – A hurricane passes to the southeast of the state. *October 23–26, 1897 – A tropical storm moving northward prompts officials to issue hurricane warnings from

through

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

, though the storm unexpectedly executes a loop and moves out to sea.

1900–1949

*September 16, 1903 – The Vagabond Hurricane parallels the Delmarva Peninsula coastline and makes landfall on southern

New Jersey New Jersey is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York; on the east, southeast, and south by the Atlantic Ocean; on the west by the Delaware ...

, bringing Category 1 hurricane-force winds to Delaware. It is one of only three storms to bring hurricane-force winds to the state. The hurricane washes a schooner ashore, killing five. *September 15, 1904 – A tropical storm becomes extratropical as it moves across the state, killing eight people when a tugboat capsizes. *October 24, 1923 – Once a tropical storm in the Caribbean, an extratropical storm moves northwestward through Delaware, causing no known damage. *August 24, 1933 – After making landfall on the

Outer Banks The Outer Banks (frequently abbreviated OBX) are a string of barrier islands and spits off the coast of North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, on the east coast of the United States. They line most of the North Carolina coastline, separating ...

, the

1933 Chesapeake Potomac hurricane Events January * January 11 – Sir Charles Kingsford Smith makes the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. * January 17 – The United States Congress votes in favour of Philippines independence, against the wis ...

passes through

and

Maryland Maryland ( ) is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It shares borders with Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to ...

. Higher than normal tides washes out about 1 square mile (2.6 km²) of beaches along the Delaware coastline, while strong winds cause $150,000 in damage (1933 USD, $2.5 million 2008 USD). *September 18, 1936 – A Category 2 hurricane parallels the Delmarva Peninsula, causing higher than usual tides at

. *September 21, 1938 – The

New England Hurricane of 1938 The 1938 New England Hurricane (also referred to as the Great New England Hurricane and the Long Island Express Hurricane) was one of the deadliest and most destructive tropical cyclones to strike Long Island, New York, and New England. The storm ...

produces moderate to heavy amounts of precipitation across the entire state. *August 20, 1939 – The remnants of a hurricane that struck the

Florida Panhandle The Florida Panhandle (also West Florida and Northwest Florida) is the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Florida; it is a Salient (geography), salient roughly long and wide, lying between Alabama on the north and the west, Georgia (U. ...

drop heavy rainfall across the state. *October 1, 1943 – A tropical storm that makes landfall on

passes over western Delaware, though effects, if any, are unknown. *August 3, 1944 – A tropical storm crosses the state, causing no known effects. *September 14, 1944 – The 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane parallels the

just offshore, causing damage to 1,800 homes and 850 other buildings. No fatalities are reported in the state.

1950–1974

*September 1, 1952 – Tropical Storm Able passes a short distance to the northwest of the state. Damage, if any, is unknown. *August 31 & September 11, 1954 – Hurricanes Carol and Edna parallel the Delmarva Peninsula offshore, causing no known damage. *October 15, 1954 –

Hurricane Hazel Hurricane Hazel was the deadliest, second costliest, and most intense hurricane of the 1954 Atlantic hurricane season. The storm killed at least 469 people in Haiti before striking the United States near the border between North and South ...

passes to the west of the state, bringing wind gusts of over . The hurricane causes at least one death in the state. *August 1955 – Hurricanes Connie and Diane pass to the west of the state during the month, bringing over 8 inches (200 mm) of rain to the

Delaware Valley The Delaware Valley is a metropolitan region on the East Coast of the United States that comprises and surrounds Philadelphia, the sixth most populous city in the nation and 68th largest city in the world as of 2020. The toponym Delaware Val ...

and causing record-breaking flooding. *September 19, 1955 –

Hurricane Ione Hurricane Ione () was a strong, Category 4 hurricane that affected North Carolina in September 1955, bringing high winds and significant rainfall. It came on the heels of Hurricanes Connie and Diane, and compounded problems already caused ...

makes landfall in

, with its outer moisture producing light rainfall across the state. *September 28, 1956 – The remnants of Hurricane Flossy drop light rainfall along the coastline. *August 29, 1958 – Hurricane Daisy remains offshore, though causes rough seas along the coast. *July 30, 1960 – Tropical Storm Brenda crosses over southeastern Delaware. Effects, if any, are unknown. *September 12, 1960 –

Hurricane Donna Hurricane Donna, known in Puerto Rico as Hurricane San Lorenzo, was the strongest hurricane of the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season, and caused severe damage to the Lesser Antilles, the Greater Antilles, and the East Coast of the United States, ...

passes to the east of the state, causing hurricane-force gusts, above normal tides, strong surf, and storm surge to the coastline. *September 15, 1961 – An unnamed tropical storm moves across the state. Damage, if any, is unknown. *September 21, 1961 –

Hurricane Esther Hurricane Esther was the first large tropical cyclone to be discovered by satellite imagery. The fifth tropical cyclone, named storm, and hurricane of the 1961 Atlantic hurricane season, Esther developed from an area of disturbed weather hundreds ...

moves northward through the western Atlantic Ocean, causing heavy rains, rough seas, and a strong storm surge of 6 to 7 feet (2 m). The waves produces

coastal flooding Coastal flooding normally occurs when dry and low-lying land is submerged by seawater. The range of a coastal flooding is a result of the elevation of floodwater that penetrates the inland which is controlled by the topography of the coastal land ...

along the

and Delaware coastline. *October 29, 1963 –

Hurricane Ginny Hurricane Ginny was the strongest recorded tropical cyclone to List of Canada hurricanes, make landfall in Canada, as well as the latest hurricane on a calendar year to affect the U.S. state of Maine. The eighth tropical storm, as well as the sev ...

produces trace precipitation in the state. *September 14, 1964 – Tropical Storm Dora causes above-normal tides and light rain to Delaware. *October 1964 – Moisture from

Hurricane Hilda Hurricane Hilda was an intense tropical cyclone that ravaged areas of the United States Gulf Coast, particularly Louisiana. In addition to its damage inland, the hurricane greatly disrupted offshore oil production, and at its time was the costlie ...

produces light amounts of precipitation across the state. *October 17, 1964 – The remnants of Hurricane Isbell drop light rainfall throughout the state. *September 16, 1967 –

Hurricane Doria Hurricane Doria was an unusual and erratic hurricane that existed during September 1967. The fourth named storm and hurricane of the 1967 Atlantic hurricane season, Doria developed on September 8 off the east coast of Florida. It meandered unti ...

makes landfall on

from the east, causing winds of up to with gusts of in

Indian River Bay Indian River Bay is a body of water in Sussex County, Delaware. It is part of Delaware's inland bay system, along with Little Assawoman Bay and Rehoboth Bay. Fed by the Indian River at its western end, the bay is connected to the Atlantic Ocean ...

Delaware Delaware ( ) is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Maryland to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and New Jersey and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. The state takes its name from the adjacent Del ...

. The hurricane also causes tides of 6.5 feet (1.9 m) above normal. *August 20, 1969 – Passing to the south of the state as a tropical depression, former

Hurricane Camille Hurricane Camille was the second most intense tropical cyclone on record to strike the United States, behind the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. The most intense storm of the 1969 Atlantic hurricane season, Camille originated as a tropical depression ...

drops moderate precipitation peaking at 3.31 inches (84 mm) in Georgetown. *September 9, 1969 –

Hurricane Gerda Hurricane Gerda was a North Atlantic tropical cyclone that formed during the 1969 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the seventh named storm, fifth hurricane and third major hurricane of the 1969 Atlantic hurricane season, season. Gerda formed on ...

attains major hurricane status well to the east of the state, though its outer rainbands result in light to moderate precipitation across the state. *August 28, 1971 –

Tropical Storm Doria Tropical Storm Doria was the costliest tropical cyclone in the 1971 Atlantic hurricane season. The fifth tropical storm of the season, Doria developed from a tropical wave on August 20 to the east of the Lesser Antilles, and after five days with ...

moves through the state, dropping rainfall of up to 5.09 inches (129 mm) in Wilmington and causing high tides. *October 1, 1971 – Hurricane Ginger makes landfall on

, with its remnants producing light rainfall in Delaware. *June 22, 1972 –

Tropical Storm Agnes The name Agnes has been used for a total of sixteen tropical cyclones worldwide: one in the Atlantic Ocean, thirteen in the Western North Pacific Ocean, one in the South-West Indian Ocean, and one in the South Pacific Ocean. In the Atlantic: * Hur ...

passes to the east of the state, dropping moderate amounts of rainfall of up to 7.6 inches (193 mm) in Middletown and causing higher than normal tides. The storm causes light damage and 1 death in Delaware. *September 3, 1972 –

Tropical Storm Carrie The name Carrie has been used for two tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. * Hurricane Carrie (1957) – a long-lived Cape Verde-type system that peaked as a Category 4 major hurricane. * Tropical Storm Carrie (1972) Tropical Storm ...

passes well to the east of the state, with its outer rainbands dropping moderate rainfall across much of southern Delaware.

1975–1999

*September 24, 1975 –

Hurricane Eloise Hurricane Eloise was the most destructive tropical cyclone of the 1975 Atlantic hurricane season. The fifth tropical storm, fourth hurricane, and second major hurricane of the season, Eloise formed as a tropical depression on September 13 to the ...

becomes an extratropical frontal low over

, though its tropical moisture drops over 5 inches (125 mm) of rainfall in the northern portion of the state. *August 9, 1976 –

Hurricane Belle Hurricane Belle was a strong tropical cyclone that caused moderate damage across the East Coast of the United States in August 1976. In late July, a tropical wave emerged off the west coast of Africa. Traversing the Atlantic Ocean for mor ...

parallels the Delmarva Peninsula, prompting officials to issue hurricane warnings for the Delaware coastline. The core of the hurricane passes slightly to the east of the state, and consequentially produces lighter winds and less rainfall than expected but still a powerful storm. *September 6, 1979 – Tropical Storm David passes to the west of the state, causing high tides and up to 1.96 inches (50 mm) of rain in Wilmington. The tornado outbreak caused by David extends into Delaware. One such tornado damages a few homes and injures five in

New Castle County New Castle County is the northernmost of the three counties of the U.S. state of Delaware (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex). As of the 2020 census, the population was 570,719, making it the most populous county in Delaware, with nearly 60% of the ...

. *July 1, 1981 –

Tropical Storm Bret The name Bret has been used for seven tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. * Tropical Storm Bret (1981), made landfall in southern Maryland, no real damage * Tropical Storm Bret (1987), short-lived storm, remained in the eastern Atlantic Ocean * ...

moves ashore along the

and produces light rainfall in Delaware. *November 15, 1981 – A subtropical storm slowly moves through the western Atlantic, causing higher than normal tides along the Delaware coastline. *September 30, 1983 – Tropical Storm Dean produces light rainfall in southeastern Delaware when it makes landfall on eastern Virginia. *October 1983 – The remnants of Hurricane Tico drop light rainfall across the state. *July 26, 1985 – The outer bands of

Hurricane Bob Hurricane Bob was one of the costliest hurricanes in New England history. The second named storm and first hurricane of the 1991 Atlantic hurricane season, Bob developed from an area of low pressure near The Bahamas on August 16. The depressio ...

produce light rainfall of around 1 inch (25 mm) in the northern portion of the state. *August 19, 1985 – The remnants of

Hurricane Danny The name Danny has been used for seven tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. The name replaced "David" which was retired after the 1979 season. * Hurricane Danny (1985), caused widespread flooding in Louisiana, killing 3 and causing $12 million ...

drop up to 7 inches (178 mm) of rain in southeastern Delaware. *September 24, 1985 – While paralleling the state,

Tropical Storm Henri The name Henri has been used for six tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean: *Hurricane Henri (1979), took unusual route around Yucatán Peninsula, caused no significant damage * Tropical Storm Henri (1985), crossed Long Island as a weak storm, ...

drops light rainfall of around 1 inch (25 mm) near the coast. *September 27, 1985 –

Hurricane Gloria Hurricane Gloria was a powerful hurricane that caused significant damage along the east coast of the United States and in Atlantic Canada during the 1985 Atlantic hurricane season. It was the first significant tropical cyclone to strike the n ...

passes to the east of the state, causing hurricane-force wind gusts and moderate amounts of rainfall. The hurricane causes significant beach erosion along the coast. *August 18, 1986 –

Hurricane Charley Hurricane Charley was the first of four separate hurricanes to impact or strike Florida during 2004, along with Hurricane Frances, Frances, Hurricane Ivan, Ivan and Hurricane Jeanne, Jeanne, as well as one of the strongest hurricanes ever to ...

parallels the Mid-Atlantic coastline offshore, producing hurricane-force wind gusts and light rainfall in Delaware. *September 1987 – Tropical Depression Nine drops light precipitation in the state. *August 29, 1988 – Tropical Depression Chris produces light rainfall across Delaware, though damage, if any, is unknown. *July 1989 – Moisture from

Tropical Storm Allison Tropical Storm Allison was a tropical storm that devastated southeast Texas in June of the 2001 Atlantic hurricane season. An arguable example of the "brown ocean effect", Allison lasted unusually long for a June storm, remaining tropical or su ...

produce up to 7 inches (178 mm) of rain in northern Delaware. *August 19, 1991 –

drops 1.84 inches (46.7 mm) of rainfall in the state, along with peak wind gusts of . There were no reports of damage in the state. *August 1992 – The remnants of

Hurricane Andrew Hurricane Andrew was a very powerful and destructive Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that struck the Bahamas, Florida, and Louisiana in August 1992. It is the most destructive hurricane to ever hit Florida in terms of structures damaged ...

produce light rainfall in the state. *September 26, 1992 – Tropical Storm Danielle moves northwestward through the state, causing severe beach erosion and washouts along the coast. It also produces over 3 inches (76 mm) of rain in the middle portion of the state. *September 1, 1993 –

Hurricane Emily The name Emily has been used for fourteen tropical cyclones worldwide, seven in the Atlantic Ocean, five in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, and two in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Atlantic: * Hurricane Emily (1981) – crossed Bermuda *Hurricane Emi ...

passes well to the southeast of Delaware, causing trace amounts of precipitation and slightly higher than normal tides in

. *August 18, 1994 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl produce light rainfall across the state. *November 1994 – The outer rainbands of

Hurricane Gordon Hurricane Gordon was a long-lived and catastrophic late-season hurricane of the 1994 Atlantic hurricane season. The twelfth and final tropical cyclone of the season, Gordon formed as a tropical depression in the southwestern Caribbean on Novem ...

drop light rainfall of around 1 inch (25 mm) in Delaware. *June 6, 1995 – The remnants of

Hurricane Allison The name Allison has been used for three tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean, and the alternative spelling Alison has been used for two tropical cyclones in the Australian region of the Indian Ocean, one in the South-West Indian Ocean, and one i ...

cause light amounts of rainfall in the state's southeastern portion. *August 6, 1995 – Moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Erin produces moderate amounts of precipitation of up over 3 inches (76 mm) in the state. *August 13–21, 1995 – Swells and 10 foot (3 m) waves generated by

Hurricane Felix Hurricane Felix was an extremely powerful Category 5 Atlantic hurricane which was the southernmost-landfalling Category 5 storm on record, surpassing Hurricane Edith of 1971. It was the sixth named storm, second hurricane, and second Categor ...

restrict beaches along the coastline. In addition, the waves cause beach erosion and minor

tidal flooding Tidal flooding, also known as sunny day flooding or nuisance flooding, is the temporary inundation of low-lying areas, especially streets, during exceptionally high tide events, such as at full and new moons. The highest tides of the year may b ...

. *July 13, 1996 – Tropical Storm Bertha crosses over the state with a peak wind gust of at

. The winds down scattered trees, signs, and power lines, leaving 3,200 homes without power for 8 hours. The storm produces moderate rainfall across the state, causing drainage problems. Prior to moving across the state, Bertha causes rough surf, resulting in 40 water rescues. Overall damage is minor, and no deaths occurred. *August 29–31, 1996 – Hurricane Edouard causes rough surf along the Delaware coastline, closing some beaches. *October 8, 1996 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Josephine cause wind gusts and light rainfall of up to 2.37 inches (60 mm) in Dover. The rainfall causes river flooding, while the wind knocks down tree limbs. *July 25, 1997 – Tropical Storm Danny passes to the southeast of the state, dropping light precipitation throughout Delaware. *August 28, 1998 – Strong waves and rip currents are caused by Hurricane Bonnie over the western Atlantic Ocean. The currents drown one person and result in bathing restrictions and over 14 lifeguard rescues at

Rehoboth Beach Rehoboth Beach ( ) is a city on the Atlantic Ocean along the Delaware Beaches in eastern Sussex County, Delaware. As of the 2010 U.S. census, the population was 1,327, reflecting a decline of 161 (11.2%) from the 1,488 counted in the 2000 ce ...

. Coastal Delaware experiences the fringe effects of the storm, including minor beach erosion, wind gusts of up to , and light rainfall peaking at 1.77 inches (45 mm) in Greenwood. *August 29–31, 1999 – The combination of swells from

Hurricane Dennis Hurricane Dennis was an early-forming major hurricane in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico during the record-breaking 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. Dennis was the fourth named storm, second hurricane, and first major hurricane of the season. F ...

and strong northeasterly winds produce strong rip currents along the Delaware coastline. The currents result in nearly 100 rescues and four injuries, and also forces beach closures and restrictions. The strong winds and waves cause beach erosion, as well. *September 16, 1999 – Tropical Storm Floyd crosses over the southeastern portion of the state. The storm produces strong wind gusts of up to in Sussex County and heavy rainfall peaking at 10.58 inches (269 mm) in Greenwood, a 24-hour state record. The flooding, which exceeds the 100-year flood return period, kills two and causes record-breaking river levels across the state. Hundreds of roads, railroad lines, and bridges are closed or destroyed, trapping dozens due to flooded vehicles. The winds uproot hundreds of trees, leaving 25,000 homes and businesses without power for 3 days. Floyd damages 171 homes, 44 severely, and destroys 33 in

. Damage is minimal near the ocean, and amounts to minor beach erosion and tidal flooding. Throughout the state, damage totals to $8.42 million (1999 USD, $10.9 million 2008 USD). In response to the damage, President

Bill Clinton William Jefferson Clinton ( né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He previously served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and agai ...

declares the state as a disaster area, which allows for federal funding to rebuild and cleanup after the storm. *October 17, 1999 – Moisture from

Hurricane Irene Hurricane Irene was a large and destructive tropical cyclone which affected much of the Caribbean and East Coast of the United States during late August 2011. The ninth named storm, first hurricane, and first major hurricane of the 2011 At ...

produces rainfall across the state, ranging from 1 to 4 inches (25 to 100 mm). The flooding causes some drainage problems, though damage is minor.

2000–2008

*September 19, 2000 – The remnants of

produce heavy rainfall for a few hours, resulting in rainfall totals of up to 1.82 inches (46 mm) in

Newark Newark most commonly refers to: * Newark, New Jersey, city in the United States * Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey; a major air hub in the New York metropolitan area Newark may also refer to: Places Canada * Niagara-on-the ...

. The precipitation causes the

Christina River The Christina River is a tributary of the Delaware River, approximately 35 miles (56 km) long, in northern Delaware in the United States, also flowing through small areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and northeastern Maryland. Near i ...

to crest at 9.13 feet (2.78 m) above flood stage, though damage is minimal. *June 16, 2001 – The subtropical remnant of what was once

passes just to the southeast of the state. The storm drops moderate amounts of rainfall, peaking at 4.2 inches (107 mm) in Greenwood, which results in drainage problems yet little damage. *September 11, 2001 – Hurricane Erin generates rough surf and rip currents along

Delaware beaches The Delaware Beaches are located along the Atlantic Ocean in the eastern part of Sussex County, Delaware, which is in the southern part of the state. In addition to beaches along the ocean, the area offers many amenities, including restaurants, ...

, forcing restrictions and closures. *July 3, 2003 – The remnants of

Tropical Storm Bill The name Bill has been used for five tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean. * Hurricane Bill (1997), threatened Bermuda, but passed the island without incident * Tropical Storm Bill (2003), made landfall west of New Orleans killing four and causin ...

cross over the state, dropping light rainfall of around 1 inch (25 mm). *September 15, 2003 – Moisture from the remnants of

produce heavy rainfall over portions of Delaware, including a peak of 9.02 inches (229 mm) in

Hockessin Hockessin () is a census-designated place (CDP) in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. The population was 13,527 at the 2010 census. History Hockessin came into existence as a little village in 1688 when several families settled in the a ...

. The flooding damages hundreds of houses, and traps motorists in submerged vehicles. Several bridges are destroyed or damaged due to rising flood waters, including the

Red Clay Creek Red Clay Creek is a tributary of White Clay Creek, running through southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware in the United States. As of 2000, portions of the creek are under wildlife habitat protection. Course The East and West branche ...

which peaks at 17.27 feet (5.2 m). Damage totals $16.1 million (2003 USD, $18.9 million 2008 USD). Due to the damage, President

George W. Bush George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, Bush family, and son of the 41st president George H. W. Bush, he ...

declares the state a disaster area. *September 17, 2003 –

Hurricane Isabel Hurricane Isabel was the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Mitch, and the deadliest, costliest, and most intense hurricane in the 2003 Atlantic hurricane season. Hurricane Isabel was also the strongest hurricane in the open waters of the Atlanti ...

passes to the southwest of the state as it makes landfall on

. In the days preceding its landfall, Isabel produces strong waves, and upon striking land, the storm causes a 5-foot (1.5 m) storm surge along the Delaware coast. The waves and surge result in beach erosion and overwash. The outer rainbands of Isabel drop around 1 inch (25 mm) of rain, though the storm's large circulation produces strong wind gusts of up to . The wind gusts knock down many trees and power lines, causing one of the worst power outages for Conectiv Energy. Damage totals to $40 million (2003 USD, $54.6 million 2019 USD). Due to the damage, President Bush declares the entire state a disaster area. *August 3, 2004 – Heavy surf from Hurricane Alex injures three in Rehoboth Beach. The rough waters result in rescues, as well. *August 12, 2004 – The remnants of

Tropical Storm Bonnie The name Bonnie has been used for ten tropical cyclones worldwide, eight in the Atlantic Ocean (one of which crossed over into the eastern Pacific Ocean) and one each in the Western Pacific and the Australian region of the Southern Hemisphere. In t ...

produce heavy rainfall of over 3 inches (76 mm). The rainfall leads to flooded rivers and roads, forcing the evacuation of 100 people in

Delaware City Delaware City is a city in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. The population was 1,695 at the 2010 census. It is a small port town on the eastern terminus of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and is the location of the Forts Ferry Cross ...

. *August 30, 2004 – Moisture from Hurricane Gaston drops moderate amounts of rainfall, leading to minor stream and drainage flooding. *September 3, 2004 – The combination of swells from

Hurricane Frances Hurricane Frances was the second most intense tropical cyclone in the Atlantic during 2004 and proved to be very destructive in Florida. It was the sixth named storm, the fourth hurricane, and the third major hurricane of the 2004 Atlantic hu ...

and a high-pressure system causes rip currents along the Delaware coastline. *September 18, 2004 – The remnants of

Hurricane Ivan Hurricane Ivan was a large, long-lived, Cape Verde hurricane that caused widespread damage in the Caribbean and United States. The cyclone was the ninth named storm, the sixth hurricane and the fourth major hurricane of the active 2004 Atlan ...

produce heavy rainfall for a few hours, causing creek flooding and drainage problems. Damage is minimal. *September 28, 2004 – The remnants of

Hurricane Jeanne Hurricane Jeanne was a Saffir–Simpson scale, Category 3 hurricane that struck the Caribbean and the Eastern United States in September 2004. It was the deadliest hurricane in the Atlantic basin since Hurricane Mitch, Mitch in 1998 Atlantic hur ...

, combined with two cold fronts, produce heavy rainfall peaking at 8.01 inches (203 mm) in

. The precipitation leads to rising rivers, including the Red clay Creek which crests at 13.59 feet (4.14 m) The rainfall also floods roads in the northern portion of the state, resulting in trapped vehicles. The remnants of Jeanne also spawn an F2 tornado in northern

. The tornado's 5 mile (8 km) path includes moving through the

New Castle Airport Wilmington Airport (formerly known as New Castle Airport, New Castle County Airport, sometimes referred to as Wilmington-New Castle Airport, or to a lesser extent Wilmington/Philadelphia Regional Airport and Greater Wilmington Airport) is an a ...

and several buildings. The tornado damages numerous planes and buildings at the airport and injures five people. Damage totals to around $1 million (2004 USD). *July 8, 2005 – The extratropical remnants of Hurricane Cindy move through the state, producing heavy rainfall of up to 4.55 inches (116 mm) in Delmar. The combination of rain and 20 to 30 mph (32 to 48 km/h) wind gusts down a few weak trees, leaving around 100 without power in New Castle County. *Mid-July 2005 – The outer rainbands of

drop light precipitation of around 1 inch (25 mm) throughout the state. *September 16, 2005 – Rip currents are caused by Hurricane Ophelia passing to the southeast of the state. *October 7, 2005 –

Tropical Storm Tammy Tropical Storm Tammy was a short-lived tropical storm during October in the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season which caused minor damage to the southeastern United States. More significant, however, were its remnants, which contributed to the Northe ...

contributes to the

Northeast U.S. flooding of October 2005 In October 2005, remnants of Tropical Storm Tammy and Subtropical Depression Twenty-Two merged with incoming continental cold fronts to produce torrential rains over interior New England, as well as over parts of New Jersey and New York. Particul ...

, which results in heavy rainfall of up to 5.3 inches (134 mm) in

Lincoln Lincoln most commonly refers to: * Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), the sixteenth president of the United States * Lincoln, England, cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England * Lincoln, Nebraska, the capital of Nebraska, U.S. * Lincoln ...

. The rainfall causes drainage problems and crop damage. *October 24, 2005 – The combination of

Hurricane Wilma Hurricane Wilma was an extremely intense and destructive Atlantic hurricane which was the most intense storm of its kind and the second-most intense tropical cyclone recorded in the Western Hemisphere, after Hurricane Patricia in 2015. Part ...

and a

Nor'easter A nor'easter (also northeaster; see below), or an East Coast low is a synoptic-scale extratropical cyclone in the western North Atlantic Ocean. The name derives from the direction of the winds that blow from the northeast. The original use o ...

produce heavy surf, high tides, and beach erosion along the coastline. *June 14, 2006 – The extratropical remnants of Tropical Storm Alberto drop light rain in the southeastern portion of the state. *September 1, 2006 – The combined effects of Tropical Storm Ernesto and a large high-pressure system leave about 151,000 without power and several trees damaged from strong winds. The system also drops moderate rainfall peaking at 5.15 inches (129 mm) in Jones Crossing; one person requires assistance to be rescued from a flooded roadway. *June 4, 2007 – The remnants of

Tropical Storm Barry The name Barry has been used for seven tropical cyclones in the Atlantic Ocean and for one in the Australian Region. In the Atlantic: *Hurricane Barry (1983), made landfall on Florida as a tropical storm, weakened to a depression before crossing, s ...

dropped light rainfall in the state. *September 6, 2008 – Tropical Storm Hanna produces heavy rain and strong winds in the state. Minor tidal flooding is reported in the Delaware Bay.

2010s

* August 27–28, 2011 –

brings heavy rain to the state, a high of is recorded in Ellendale, with a tornado in

causing damage to about 50 homes and destroying one. Two fatalities can be attributed to the storm in the state. * September 7–10, 2011 – The remnants of Tropical Storm Lee move over the east coast, resulting in strong winds and heavy rain. * October 28 – November 1, 2011 –

Hurricane Rina Hurricane Rina was a powerful and slow-moving tropical cyclone that caused minor impacts in the northwestern Caribbean Sea in late October 2011. The seventeenth named storm, seventh hurricane, and fourth major hurricane of the annual hurr ...

did not affect the United States directly, but its remnants joined with a large cold front to fuel the

2011 Halloween nor'easter The 2011 Halloween nor'easter, sometimes referred to as "Snowtober," "Shocktober," "Storm Alfred," and "Oktoberblast," was a large low pressure area that produced unusually early snowfall across the northeastern United States and the Canadian ...

. * September 1–4, 2012 – The remnants of Hurricane Isaac move over the eastern coast, causing heavy rains over Delaware and other east coast states. * October 29–30, 2012 –

Hurricane Sandy Hurricane Sandy (unofficially referred to as ''Superstorm Sandy'') was an extremely destructive and strong Atlantic hurricane, as well as the largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter, with tropical-storm-force winds spann ...

affects the entire state. * September 19, 2017 – Waves from Hurricane Jose cause coastal flooding in Delaware. * October 11–12, 2018 – Wind and rain from Tropical Storm Michael causes minor coastal flooding, heavy rain and some strong winds in the Delmarva Peninsula.

2020s

* July 7, 2020 – Tropical Storm Fay passes just east of state, producing gusty winds and heavy rainfall to the region. * August 4, 2020 –

Hurricane Isaias Hurricane Isaias () was a destructive Category 1 hurricane that caused extensive damage across the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States while also spawning a large tropical tornado outbreak that generated the strongest tropical c ...

moves directly across the state, spawning tornadoes and widespread power outages, resulting in the first hurricane related death since 2011.Isaias spawns tornadoes, kills woman in Delaware on Tuesday
/ref> * October 29, 2020 –

Hurricane Zeta Hurricane Zeta was a late-season major hurricane in 2020 that made landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula and then in southeastern Louisiana, the latest on record to do so at such strength in the United States. Zeta was the record-tying sixth hurr ...

affects Delaware as a post-tropical cyclone.

Listed by month

Since 1749, 108 tropical cyclones, including some that became extratropical, have affected the state. Most have occurred in September, which coincides with the peak of the

Atlantic hurricane An Atlantic hurricane, also known as tropical storm or simply hurricane, is a tropical cyclone that forms in the Atlantic Ocean, primarily between the months of June and November. A hurricane differs from a cyclone or typhoon only on the basis of ...

season.

Deadliest storms

Most tropical cyclones that impact Delaware only cause rainfall or strong waves, though a few have caused deaths in the state. Storms that caused deaths in Delaware include:

References

Hurricanes A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. Depend ...

{{DEFAULTSORT:Delaware Hurricanes