You might want to wrap up your evening plans early—a soaking storm system is heading straight for Wilmington, bringing with it heavy rain, slippery roads, and potential traffic trouble starting late Tuesday night and stretching straight through the Wednesday morning commute.
What starts as a relatively mild spring day will quickly shift into a wet and potentially hazardous situation, especially for early risers and morning drivers. This weather system is part of a broader low-pressure front that’s drawing in moisture from the south, setting up Delaware for several hours of steady, moderate to heavy rainfall.
When Will the Rain Start, and How Bad Will It Get?
The transition begins after sunset Tuesday:
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Tuesday Evening (After 9 PM): Clouds thicken quickly, and showers begin to roll in. Light at first, but building steadily through the night.
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Overnight into Early Wednesday (12 AM – 6 AM): Rain becomes more intense. Expect periods of heavy rainfall, with some areas seeing over half an inch per hour.
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Wednesday Morning (6 AM – 10 AM): The worst of the rain likely continues right as Wilmington heads into its morning rush. Reduced visibility, slick roads, and ponding water could make travel difficult.
Temperatures will also dip slightly, with highs only reaching the upper 50s to near 60°F by Wednesday afternoon—well below normal for late May.
What’s the Impact? Prepare for a Tough Morning Commute
This isn’t just an inconvenient drizzle. Here’s what residents and drivers need to know:
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Slick Roads: Rain overnight and in the early morning hours will leave highways like I-95, Route 13, and I-495 wet and potentially dangerous. Oil residue from dry pavement combined with fresh rain can lead to slippery surfaces.
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Reduced Visibility: Heavy rain rates, especially during the predawn hours, will lower visibility. Headlights on, slow speeds, and extra following distance are key.
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Ponding and Flooding: While widespread flooding isn’t forecast, areas with poor drainage could see minor localized flooding, especially near intersections, off-ramps, and low-lying zones.
What Happens After the Storm?
The heaviest rainfall will begin to taper off by Wednesday afternoon, but clouds and occasional drizzle may linger into Thursday. The good news? Skies begin to clear by Friday, and a much drier, more pleasant stretch of weather is on the way—just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
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Thursday: Still cool and mostly cloudy, with a few leftover light showers.
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Friday through Monday: Gradual clearing and warming, with highs climbing back into the upper 60s and 70s—a much better setup for barbecues and holiday plans.
Bottom Line: What to Do Now
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Delay unnecessary travel Wednesday morning if you can. Conditions may improve by midday.
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Bring rain gear and prepare for longer commutes.
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Don’t drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
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Stay tuned to local forecasts for updated rain totals and possible advisories overnight.
Final Word: Wilmington, Keep the Umbrella Close Tonight
This is a classic “sleeper” storm—a calm day that turns disruptive overnight. While it won’t bring dangerous winds or extreme flooding, it could make Wednesday morning a real challenge for drivers, parents, and anyone on the go. Give yourself time, stay alert, and keep your rain boots ready.
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