Your weekly guide to the Delaware beaches: What to do in hurricane weather
What a buzzkill, right? Maybe, but the Delaware beaches are much more than just sand and surf nowadays. Read on to find out about all the things to do, but if all else fails, some of this reporter's favorite childhood beach vacation memories are of playing cards and watching movies all day. And stay optimistic; if weather predictions are correct, we could see sun as soon as Aug. 22.
Every week in the summer, Delaware Online/The News Journal provides this weekly guide to the Delaware beaches. Here's what's happening this week.
Hurricane Erin
Hurricane Erin isn't expected to make landfall, but the magnitude of the storm means that even as it passes hundreds of miles offshore, its effects will be felt along the coast.
Aug. 18 and 19 were rainy at the Delaware beaches, and the wind was picking up along the coast. The surf was rough and swimming was prohibited at most beaches. Tropical storm-strength winds are expected to reach Delaware Aug. 20, so that ban will likely remain through at least Aug. 21. There also is a risk of coastal flooding, especially at high tide.
If you've never seen the ocean in a hurricane, definitely go take a look! It's an awe-inspiring sight. But take heed of the swimming bans - the ocean is extremely dangerous under such conditions. There's a major risk of riptides and waves are expected to reach eight feet Aug. 20 and six to 10 feet Aug. 21, according to the National Weather Service.
Delaware beaches: What Rehoboth Beach employees made in 2024: See salary data
Rehoboth Beach Patrol Captain Jeff Giles urged people to stay out of the water.
"These current riptides are extreme," Giles said. "Please, don't put the lifeguards in this position, you are putting the lives of the rescuers at risk."
What to do in bad weather
Here are a few ideas.
What it means for tides: Hurricane Erin to pass by DE, NJ during August new moon
Shell We Bounce, a trampoline park in Lewes, will endlessly entertain your kids while you get in some scrolling time.
The Movies at Midway offers all the latest releases for your entertainment.
Lefty's Alley & Eats is a restaurant, bowling alley and arcade in Lewes.
See "Hairspray" at Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth Beach.
Catch a tribute band at the Milton Theatre.
See a magic show at Dickens Parlour Theatre in Ocean View.
Shopping at Tanger Outlets and exploring downtown boutiques can easily fill up a day or two.
Tour the Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton.
Get to know the history of the Delaware beaches at these museums:
Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes
Lewes History Museum
Fort Miles Museum in Cape Henlopen State Park
Rehoboth Beach Museum
Indian River Life-Saving Station in Delaware Seashore State Park
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island
More: Raining at the Delaware beaches? Shopping, shows, treats will keep you busy
Assuming the weather clears up by the weekend, there are some notable events happening at the beaches, too.
Saltwater Luau will take place at Hudson Fields from 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23, featuring Polynesian dancers, hula, a Hawaiian band, Samoan fire knife warriors, kids activities, vendors and more. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Tickets are $10 online, $15 at the gate. The rain date is Aug. 24
Paradise Grill in Long Neck will host "Let's Go Girls!" fashion show and vendor festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 24. The event will feature over 40 local boutiques and vendors. Admission is free.
Also on Aug. 24 starting at noon is the eighth annual Rehoboth Bay Pride event. Sponsor AquaGrill will have DJ Biff spinning on the sandbar. There will be best boat and most creative personal floatation device contests. Get more information at rehobothbaypride.com.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Hurricane Erin at the Delaware beaches: What to do in bad weather
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