The Coastal Flood Monitoring System (CFMS) is one of many tools used when preparing for a coastal flooding event. There are many other sources of information that are reviewed and analyzed to develop a valid understanding of each event and its possible impacts. Several factors must be taken into account when forecasting the extent and severity of a flood.

Below are some resources that may help you understand coastal flooding, its impacts and its terminology.

  • Storm Surge & Coastal Inundation - NOAA has compiled educational material regarding storm surge flooding and the importance of accurate model prediction.
  • DE Sea Grant Coastal Hazards - This page is maintained by the Delaware Sea Grant to educate Delaware citizens on coastal hazards, and the importance of preparedness and awareness along the Delaware coastline.
  • DE Sea Grant Flood Risk - This page, maintained by the Delaware Sea Grant, shares information and resources to assist communities in preparing for flood risks.
  • Tides & Currents Education - NOAA explanation of tides and currents, what causes them, and how are they monitored.
  • What are Tidal Datums? - Definitions of vertical datums from NOAA National Ocean Service.
  • NOAA Tides & Currents Tide Prediction page for Delaware - This NOAA page provides links to the Delaware NOS gages which provide tide predictions with graphing and data download capabilities.
  • PrepareDE.org - This site, maintained by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), provides information and tips to help Delaware citizens prepare for most major disasters.
  • NOAA Digital Coast - The Digital Coast provides the data, tools, and training needed by those who want to conserve and protect coastal communities and natural resources.
  • Delaware Coastal Storm Climatology and Damage Report: 1923-2009 - A report discussing the climatology of coastal storms and coastal storm damage along the Delaware coast for the period 1871 through 2009. A major thrust of this project was to determine areas of the State most susceptible to damage from coastal storms and the type and magnitude of damage associated with these events.
  • Delaware Coastline Data Gap Analysis - This project included an exhaustive inventory of real-time and archived data suitable for coastal flood monitoring and research. The inventory includes meteorological, tidal, stream flow and buoy data sources, along with ancillary sources of coastal information (i.e. research publications, non-digital records, modeling, etc.).