8:55 a.m., June 22, 2009----Few residents who lived along the Delaware shore in 1962 will ever forget the powerful northeaster that pounded the coast March 6-8, devastating dozens of oceanfront homes and businesses, flooding communities, and destroying lives -- seven people were killed in Delaware.

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In an effort to increase knowledge and understanding of coastal hazards in Delaware throughout the summer tropical storm season, the Delaware Sea Grant College program will host screenings of The '62 Storm -- Delaware's Shared Response, written, edited and produced by local filmmaker Michael Oates.

The screenings will take place in Cannon Laboratory Room 104 at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes on July 1, July 29, and Aug. 19. Each day will include morning and evening showings, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“The '62 storm is the most damaging coastal storm on record in Delaware,” said Wendy Carey, coastal processes specialist with Delaware Sea Grant. “We hope this movie will heighten residents' awareness of coastal hazards, and encourage them to prevent or minimize future damage by becoming prepared in advance of the next storm.”

Much of Delaware's populated coast is vulnerable to the effects of coastal storms and flooding that can generate hazardous conditions and pose threats to communities -- people, property, and economies. Over the past few decades, major flooding events and coastal storms have damaged infrastructure, residences and businesses throughout Delaware.

The 55-minute film was funded by Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Delaware Humanities Forum, and 302 Stories Inc. The video features firsthand accounts from people who lived through the damaging three-day northeaster.

For additional information, contact Delaware Sea Grant's Michelle Scorziello at (302) 645-4346 or [mkscorzi@udel.edu].

To learn more about the Delaware Sea Grant College Program or UD's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, visit the Web sites.