Delaware's 1962 Northeaster

Delaware's March 1962 storm caused unprecedented destruction to life and property. Unusually high wind-driven tides carried breaking waves inland, destroying buildings and structures that, ordinarily, would have been beyond the reach of the surf. These photographs and the story they tell about devastation and destruction carry a strong message about hazards, risks, and the vulnerability of Delaware's communities and environments.

Wendy Carey is the coastal hazards specialist for the Delaware Sea Grant College Program. She has worked on topics related to the Delaware coast for more than 35 years and collaborates with communities on hazard adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency initiatives. Tony Pratt, administrator of the Delaware Department of National Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Shoreline and Waterway Management section, has been involved in managing Delaware's shorelines for more than 30 years. During coastal storm events, he is directly engaged in storm preparation, response, and recovery efforts. Kimberly McKenna is a professional geologist and coastal processes specialist for the Delaware DNREC Shoreline and Waterway Management section. With over 25 years of experience analyzing shoreline changes, she coordinates research to support science-based management of the Delaware coast. Royalties from book sales will be donated to Delaware Sea Grant for continued outreach programs related to coastal hazards and community resiliency.