Tornado Hits Dover, Delaware, Prompting State of Emergency
A tornado struck Dover shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday, causing extensive damage, power outages and traffic disruptions, leading officials to declare a state of emergency.
A tornado moved through Dover, Delaware, at about 6:18 p.m. on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, which identified a large and dangerous vortex over the Dover Speedway as severe weather affected the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The Dover Police Department declared a state of emergency at 6:20 p.m., citing significant damage throughout the city.
The storm knocked down numerous trees, resulting in widespread power outages and disabling traffic signals at many intersections, creating hazardous travel conditions. Officials warned that non-essential travel impeded emergency responders.
First-responders and utility crews worked through the evening to clear debris and restore services. Damage was reported along Division Street, Lockerman Street and portions of North DuPont Highway, with structural impacts observed on Route 13 and debris scattered near local hotels.
Radar data from the FOX Forecast Center showed a large debris signature over Dover, a city of more than 40,000 residents.