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Hurricane Risk for Rehoboth Beach, DE

No tropical storms currently threaten the Rehoboth Beach area. The next one could form quickly though — get alerts before they make the news.

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On this page
  1. By the numbers
  2. Most recent hurricane
  3. Strongest ever
  4. Closest approach
  5. When hurricanes hit
  6. Recent notable storms
  7. Preparedness

Since 1851, 154 hurricanes and tropical storms have passed within 150 miles of Rehoboth Beach. Here's what you should know.

Local note: As a low-lying Delaware shore town on a narrow barrier spit, Rehoboth Beach faces its biggest hurricane hazard from storm surge and coastal flooding that can flood the boardwalk and downtown; recent near-miss impacts from storms like Isaias (2020) and Ida-era activity (2021) highlight frequent surge and wind exposure.

By the numbers

Total storms
154
since 1851
Major (Cat 3+)
47
at closest approach
Hurricanes (Cat 1+)
104
all categories
County
Sussex County
Delaware

Most recent hurricane

Chantal (2025)

Passed within 71 miles of Rehoboth Beach on July 07, 2025. Peak intensity: TS (57 mph).

Strongest hurricane ever to pass nearby

Unnamed (1935)

Reached Cat 5 (184 mph) at its peak. Passed within 84 miles of Rehoboth Beach.

Closest approach ever

Brenda (1960)

Passed just 10.4 miles from Rehoboth Beach on July 30, 1960.

When hurricanes hit Rehoboth Beach

Distribution across the calendar year, based on every storm in the 150-mile radius since 1851:

Jan
0
Feb
0
Mar
0
Apr
0
May
3
Jun
16
Jul
13
Aug
36
Sep
58
Oct
25
Nov
2
Dec
1

Peak months are August through October, when the Atlantic season is most active. June, July, and November are secondary risk months.

Prep your supplies before the storm is named

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Recent notable storms (last 20 years)

Hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 200 miles in the last 20 years — these are the ones Rehoboth Beach residents likely remember:

Storm Year Peak Closest Date
Elsa 2021 Cat 1 30 mi Jul 09, 2021
Ida 2021 Cat 4 80 mi Sep 02, 2021
Isaias 2020 Cat 1 116 mi Aug 04, 2020
Zeta 2020 Cat 3 179 mi Oct 29, 2020
Dorian 2019 Cat 5 190 mi Sep 06, 2019
Michael 2018 Cat 5 98 mi Oct 12, 2018
Florence 2018 Cat 4 200 mi Sep 18, 2018
Hermine 2016 Cat 1 144 mi Sep 07, 2016
Arthur 2014 Cat 2 138 mi Jul 04, 2014
Sandy 2012 Cat 3 60 mi Oct 29, 2012
Irene 2011 Cat 3 43 mi Aug 28, 2011
Earl 2010 Cat 4 176 mi Sep 03, 2010
Hanna 2008 Cat 1 94 mi Sep 07, 2008
Ernesto 2006 Cat 1 87 mi Sep 02, 2006

Preparedness

  1. Know your zone. Rehoboth Beach is in Sussex County — look up your evacuation zone here.
  2. Get alerts early. Sign up below — we'll notify you when storms first form in the basin, not just when they're at your doorstep.
  3. Have 3+ days of supplies. Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, cash.
  4. Have an evacuation plan. Know where you'll go, how you'll get there, what you'll bring.
  5. Follow official orders. If your zone is told to evacuate, leave. Don't wait.