1730 Hours, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012: A developing nor’easter moving up the East Coast promises to bring more tidal flooding and strong winds to the region, a little more than a week after Hurricane Sandy roughed up parts of Sussex County while ravaging shore communities in New Jersey and New York.

The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, N.J., has issued a high wind warning and a coastal flood warning for Sussex County through Thursday morning, with forecasters predicting wind gusts as high as 60 mph and moderate tidal flooding possible in low-lying areas, particularly along the Atlantic and Delaware Bay coasts. Meantime, severe beach erosion and rainfall of 1 to 2 inches are possible from this storm. Rainfall, though, should not cause any serious inland flooding other than ponding on roads.

The storm is expected to begin early Wednesday morning and last into Wednesday night before pulling away, leaving behind gusty winds and chilly temperatures in its wake for Thursday. Unlike Hurricane Sandy, however, the latest system is expected to move past Delaware more quickly, spanning fewer tide cycles and hopefully cutting down on any major ill effects.

Still, the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center reminds residents, particularly those in flood-prone communities along the Atlantic and Delaware Bay coasts, to be on guard for possible effects from this more seasonal nor’easter.

“This doesn’t appear to pose the same kind of threat as Hurricane Sandy did. But with compromised beach dunes and some communities still drying out, this storm has a lot of people feeling a little more anxious than normal,” Sussex County Emergency Operations Center Director Joseph Thomas said. “We just want residents to stay prepared and ready to take action, should it be necessary.”

Residents and property owners should take this time now to secure loose objects, such as lawn chairs, trash cans and holiday decorations, to prevent storm winds from turning those items into potential projectiles. Also, residents in low-lying tidal areas should move vehicles and make sure submersible pumps are working. Also, be sure to check storm drains to ensure they are clear of debris.

With the ground already saturated from the heavy rainfall caused by Hurricane Sandy, downed trees and power lines are possible due to this storm’s forecasted winds. The public should be cautious, especially if traveling, and should never approach downed power lines. If there are downed power lines, members of the public should contact the proper authorities and/or the appropriate utility provider.

The Sussex County EOC encourages residents and visitors to continue monitoring the latest weather forecasts. For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations. The Sussex County EOC will issue updates, as warranted, through traditional media, the EOC website at sussexcountyde.gov, and via social media, including on Twitter at twitter.com/sussexctyde_eoc.

For questions about this information, please contact the Sussex County EOC at (302) 855-7801.

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Media calls should be directed to the EOC at (302) 855-7801, or to Sussex County Communications Director Chip Guy at (302) 858-0505.