Delaware is beginning to dry out after a powerful nor’easter brought heavy rain, strong winds, coastal flooding, rough surf and beach erosion to parts of the state.
The latest DETV News report also covers the investigation into the fatal shooting of a Georgetown woman in Ellendale, a new Delaware campaign encouraging colon cancer screening beginning at age 45, and the 2026 Lt. Governor’s Challenge recognizing people and organizations working to improve mental health and well-being across Delaware.
Delaware Recovers From Nor’easter and Coastal Flooding
A powerful nor’easter brought several days of unsettled weather to Delaware, with some of the most significant impacts occurring along the state’s coast.
The National Weather Service reported coastal flooding, large surf and dangerous rip currents along the Delaware beaches, with waves reaching several feet in the surf zone and flooding affecting low-lying areas around the back bays.
Flooding also created major travel problems in Sussex County.
Route 1 between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach was temporarily closed because of significant flooding near the Indian River Inlet. DelDOT reported that the flooding came from the back bays and that there was no dune breach.
The storm also contributed to coastal erosion and difficult conditions along Delaware’s beaches.
As the system moves away, conditions are expected to gradually improve, giving Delaware a chance to dry out as October approaches.
Investigation Continues After Fatal Ellendale Shooting
Delaware State Police continue to investigate the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Santos Maria Chilel Soto of Georgetown.
According to police, Soto was walking through an open field in Ellendale with a man and two children on September 18 when she was struck by a gunshot fired by 74-year-old Walter Moorhead of Salisbury, Maryland.
Police said Moorhead was hunting deer from a ground blind and told investigators he believed he had seen a deer before firing. Moorhead was arrested and charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and three counts of first-degree reckless endangering. He was later released after posting a $43,000 cash bond.
Delaware State Police identified Soto the following day and said the Homicide Unit remains involved in the investigation.
The case has also prompted questions about hunting safety and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Delaware’s deer hunting season includes multiple seasons and methods of take. DNREC says the statewide deer season generally begins in September and continues into the following winter, with archery season running for an extended period and shorter firearm and muzzleloader periods occurring during the season.
DNREC also operates deer damage assistance programs that can provide additional opportunities for qualifying agricultural properties experiencing significant crop damage from deer.
The investigation into the Ellendale shooting remains ongoing.
Delaware Urges Adults to Begin Colon Cancer Screening at 45
Delaware health officials are encouraging adults at average risk to begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
The Delaware Division of Public Health recently launched a new campaign focused on the importance of early colon cancer screening. State health officials say colorectal cancer is among Delaware’s four most commonly diagnosed cancers, while rates have been increasing among younger adults.
A colonoscopy is one of the primary screening options. For adults at average risk, a normal colonoscopy generally means the next screening is needed in 10 years.
There are also at-home screening options, including the fecal immunochemical test, commonly known as a FIT test.
Screening recommendations can vary depending on a person’s individual risk factors. People with a family history of colon cancer, previous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or certain other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or follow a different schedule. Delaware health officials recommend talking with a healthcare provider about individual screening needs.
Delaware’s Screening for Life program also provides cancer screening assistance for eligible residents. The program offers screening for several cancers, including colorectal cancer, and can help connect eligible Delaware residents with screening resources.
More information is available at HealthyDelaware.org/Colon.
Delaware Seeks Mental Health Champions
Delaware residents are also being encouraged to recognize people and organizations making a difference in behavioral health and mental health across the state.
The 2026 Lt. Governor’s Challenge Behavioral Health Leadership Awards are accepting nominations for individuals and organizations whose work strengthens behavioral health and well-being in Delaware.
The program recognizes contributions in several areas, including youth mental health, community mental health innovation, workplace mental health, recovery, and maternal mental health and family wellness.
Eligible nominees can include individuals, nonprofits, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, employers, municipalities, coalitions and state agencies. Self-nominations are also allowed.
Nominations are open through October 9, 2026. Awardees are scheduled to be selected in November, with the awards ceremony planned for December 8.
Watch the Latest DETV News Report
From coastal flooding and storm recovery to an ongoing investigation in Sussex County, important health reminders and an opportunity to recognize Delaware’s mental health leaders, these are some of the stories impacting communities across the First State.
Watch the full DETV News report above for the latest Delaware headlines.
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