Some parts of Delaware could see as much as four inches of rain today due to Tropical Storm Fay. 7/10/20 Wochit

A tropical storm that formed off the East Coast Thursday could dump up to 7 inches of rain on isolated areas of the Mid-Atlantic Coast Friday, as well as some flash flooding and rough surf.

As the storm moves north, it's likely to produce 2-4 inches of rain in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and southern New England, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. briefing Friday.

By 10 a.m., the storm was flooding several roadways throughout the state. The Delaware Environmental Observing System is showing that 4.97inches of rain has fallen on Rehoboth Beach near the Boardwalk in the last 24 hours.Scroll down for a full list of impacted roads.

As of 11a.m. Friday, it was about 25 miles off the coast of Delaware and moving north at 12mph. It's expected to move along the Mid-Atlantic coast Friday, moving more inland some time late Friday night or on Saturday. Once that happens, the storm is expected to weaken, according to the hurricane center.

The isolated bursts of heavier rain could result in flash flooding,but "widespread river flooding is not expected at this time." Delaware is under a flash flood watch until 4 p.m. Friday. Some other areas of the state, like Rehoboth Beach, are now under a flash flood warning, in effect until 12:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Fay is passing through the area today and is affecting Delaware's beach community with pounding rain, strong winds and rough surf. 7/10/20 Delaware News Journal

A tropical storm warning has been extended to now include Fenwick Island and southern Delaware Bay. It extends north to Rhode Island. The warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area. As of 8 a.m., tropical storm force winds reaching 39 mph or greater extended 140 miles from the center of the storm.

A rip current statement, warning of a high risk of dangerous rip currents, is in effect at New Jersey and Delawarebeaches through Friday evening. The storm is expected to bring large waves reaching 7-9 feet along Delaware and New Jersey coastal waters.

That has prompted lifeguard captains in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach to temporarily close the beaches to swimming. In Bethany, the situation will be reassessed after high tide around 1 p.m.

In Rehoboth Beach, Captain Kent Buckson said he's trying to keep people off the beach altogether for everyone's safety.

"They can spectate from the Boardwalk, but they don't need to be walking down there," he said, noting that the surf Friday morning is extremely rough. Saturday could be a sunnier day, but rip current risks could linger.

Bethany Beach Patrol Captain Joe Donnelly said the beach will remain open for walking and exercise, although the narrowness of the beach's current state during high tide won't provide a lot of space for activity. The sands in Dewey Beach also remain open.

"The water will be closed at least through high tide and then we'll see how the afternoon develops," Donnelly said.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fay, go to nhc.noaa.gov. For more local weather forecasts, go to weather.gov/phi.

"Entering the surf is discouraged," according to the statement.That rip current risk could continue Saturday.

There's a chance of dangerous rip currents Friday and Saturday at the Delaware beaches.(Photo: Chuck Snyder, Special to the News Journal/CHUCK)

The threat of tropical storm winds on land is very low, according to the National Weather Service, except for along the New Jersey coast. As of 11a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Fay had maximum sustained winds reaching 60 mph with higher gusts. A weather station in Lewes was reporting sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts reaching 49 mph on Friday.

The storm should move north of Delaware by Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service forecast for Wilmington shows a 100% chance of rain on Friday with a high of 81 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms continues through Monday.

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According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the following roads are impacted by flooding:

New Castle County

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608,mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

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Tropical Storm Fay to bring rain, rough surf to Delaware; some beaches closed to swimming - The News Journal