Christina River at Coochs Bridge, DE

The last 7 days and the forecast

NWS forecast issued Sun, Dec 31, 7 PM. Forecasts change as rain falls and as upstream water arrives.

Flood stages

What floods at each level

From the National Weather Service, highest first.

• 13 ftFlooding increases. Evacuations also increase in the towns of Newark and Christiana. Roads become impassable.
• 12.5 ftEvacuations are possible in Duross Heights. Airport Road at the New Castle Airport floods is closed. Businesses are flooded. Flooding increases in Newark. Flooding also increases on Barksdale Road and can extend onto Casho Mill Road. Businesses on South College Avenue take on water.
• 12 ftSignificant flooding occurs on Meadow Road in Christiana. Roads are closed. Homes are flooded. Salem Church Road and Reybold Road floods in Christiana also flood and are subject to closures. Residential backyards can flood in this area. Flooding also occurs in Newark on West Chestnut Hill Road and South College Avenue.
• 11.5 ftPortions of Duross Heights near New Castle Airport begin to flood including Don Avenue. Airport Road at the New Castle Airport begins to flood as the Christina River backs up the Nonesuch Creek. Walther Road in the Bear area also floods. Flooding also occurs around Smalley's Pond Dam in Christiana.
• 11 ftFlooding begins in the town of Christiana. East Main Street (Del 7) begins to flood as does Water Street. Meadow Road near New Castle Airport is subject to flooding. Barksdale Road near Casho Mill Road is also subject to flooding as are residential backyards.
• 9 ftFlooding begins in fields and floodplain adjacent to the river.

Highest crests on record

1. 14 ft — August 4, 2020
2. 13.89 ft — August 28, 2011
3. 13.73 ft — September 16, 1999
4. 13.43 ft — September 28, 2004
5. 13.12 ft — July 5, 1989

Recent crests: 12.52 ft (January 10, 2024) · 12.03 ft (December 28, 2023) · 12.22 ft (December 18, 2023) · 11 ft (December 11, 2023) · 11.41 ft (June 27, 2023)

Up and down the river, and nearby

• White Clay Creek at Newark, DE
• White Clay Creek near Newark, DE
• Big Elk Creek at Elk Mills, MD
• Red Clay Creek at Stanton, DE
• White Clay Creek at Strickersville, PA
• Red Clay Creek at Wooddale, DE
• Christina River at Wilmington, DE
• Brandywine Creek at Wilmington, DE