INDIAN RIVER INLET, Del. - The Indian River Inlet is no stranger to flooding. With heavy rain in the forecast for this weekend, DelDOT is urging people in the area to take necessary precautions.Â
Butch Evans owns Old Inlet Bait, which is located on the bay side of the Indian River Inlet. Evans explained to CoastTV that flooding is a serious issue for his shop.Â
"We've had flooding nine times in here over the past few years, but most of the time it's two to three inches." Evans continued, "the worst it's ever been is 22 inches during Hurricane Sandy."
According to DelDOT, closing Route One between the Indian River Inlet and Dewey Beach is a last resort. Closing the road will make it difficult for emergency vehicles to respond quickly. DelDOT does not want people driving through still water, and they also want everyone to be aware of fallen powerlines.
C.R. McLeod, Director of Community Relations for DelDOT, wants people to listen to all warnings DelDOT puts out during the storm.
"When we put up our road closed signs and barriers, they are not suggestions." McLeod continued, "we put them up because there is a definite need for them because we believe anyone trying to travel through there is at risk for their vehicle being flooded out."
DelDot told CoastTV that emergency evacuation routes are in place if necessary.Â
If you do come across a road with debris and heavy amounts of standing water, you can call the 24/7 DelDOT Transportation Management Center at #77.Â