Delaware counties being evacuated

Delaware Governor Jack Markell has ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal communities.

To make the evacuation as efficient as possible, the tolls on northbound Route 1 are waived indefinitely. This decision was made by DelDOT Secretary Bhatt, in consultation with other senior officials at DelDOT. 

Among those are the are the communities of Sussex, Kent and New Castle. 

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The mandatory evacuation period for people to leave designated areas will end at 8 p.m. Sunday.

"While the predicted track of Hurricane Sandy has shifted a number of times over the last 24 hours, it has become clear that the sate will be affected by high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, especially along the coastline for a several day period. These factors, along with the potential for power outages, have convinced me that the prudent thing to do is have people leave most of our coast communities," Gov. Markell said.

Shelters in all three counties opened Sunday at noon for those who need them.

For help or information, call 302-632-7060.

A major highway for people hoping to evacuate southern Delaware coastal communities is closed after ocean water breached sand dunes along the road. ( more )