Tornado causes major damage, state of emergency in Dover, Delaware
Delaware tornado confirmed by NWS, cleanup begins
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Dover, Delaware, Thursday, leaving widespread damage across the city.
DOVER, Del. - At least one confirmed tornado touched down in Delaware Thursday evening, leaving a wake of damage in Dover.
Several businesses, buildings and homes were damaged and debris was left strewn across roadways, prompting some closures Friday morning.
Storm's impact and community response
What we know:
On Friday, the National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado that ripped through the area Thursday was "at least EF-1," and estimated that winds hit speeds up to 105 mph.
The tornado damage primarily impacted parts of Dover, including a Super Lodge in and a Kraft-Heinz factory.
SKYFOX surveyed some of the damage Friday morning, and at least one warehouse suffered roof damage and cinder block walls were torn apart and shipping containers were overturned.
The National Weather Service confirmed to FOX 29’s Dylan Scott that they would be conducting surveys of the damage in Dover and Hartley to determine the tornado’s intensity.
Other hard-hit areas included Division Street, Luckerman Street corridor and the North Dupont Highway.
A state of emergency was issued by Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen Thursday night, and travel advisories were issued due to power outages impacting traffic lights.
Dover police say most, if not all roadways are reopened after some overnight cleanup. Drivers are still asked to use caution when approaching areas where work is underway.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the storms.
Local support grows during cleanup efforts
Artistic Additions Tattoo, a local tattoo shop, said on social media they would be providing free lunch to those affected by the tornado and anyone helping with the recovery, including utility workers. The business stated that people do not have to be customers to receive a meal.
What's next:
Cleanup continues as residents and city crews remove debris and repair damaged power lines.
The National Weather Service says survey teams will investigate damage in several other areas of the region Thursday to determine if any additional tornadoes touched down during Thursday's storms.
What we don't know:
Weather Service officials have yet to reveal the intensity of Thursday's confirmed tornado.
There has been no update on the total extent of property damage across all affected neighborhoods.
The Source: Information from Dover police, the National Weather Service an interviews conducted by FOX 29.