1:37 p.m., Feb. 17, 2011----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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To commemorate the 49th anniversary of the storm, and to increase knowledge and understanding of coastal hazards in Delaware, 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 screening will take place in Cannon Laboratory Room 104 at the University of Delaware's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes on Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. The event is free, but reservations are required.

“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, Delaware Humanities Forum, and 302 Stories Inc. The video features firsthand accounts from people who lived through the damaging three-day northeaster.

While the event is free, seating is limited and reservations are required. For reservations contact Michelle Scorziello at [mkscorzi@udel.edu] or 302-645-4346. Light refreshments will be served.