Superintendent John J. Donahue announced today that the Delaware River corridor and all access points within the boundaries of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area are closed due to rising water levels. Heavy rainfall from the remnants Tropical Storm Lee, combined with already heightened river levels from Hurricane Irene, has led to the latest closure. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings for this stretch of the river.

At 9 a.m. this morning, the river measured 15.14 feet at the Montague, New Jersey gauge near Milford Beach. It is expected to reach 21.5 feet by tomorrow morning. In the south end of the park, the river is currently at

14.5 feet at the Tocks Island gauge; the latest projection shows the river rising to flood stage, 21 feet, tomorrow morning.

At these heights, typical river conditions include large quantities of floating debris, very swift currents, increased hydraulic hazards in rapids and near bridge pilings, and decreased water temperatures. To ensure visitor safety, the river will remain closed until the river recedes to a safe level.