At least one person has died from the aftermath a suspected tornado in Sussex County near Bridgeville and Greenwood Saturday night, according to Delaware State Police. A department spokesperson said that the person was found inside a damaged home in Bridgeville, and that widespread damage has been reported throughout western Sussex County.
The storm is part of a major system moving across the United States. A meteorologist with the National Weather Service said they are focusing on “existing storm threats” and would not be able to officially confirm the tornado until later.
Severe thunderstorm warnings remain in effect statewide, with wind speeds reaching up to 70 mph. Possible hail is also predicted.
Delawareans living near Greenwood and Bridgeville reported seeing a tornado and extensive home damage, even flipping an irrigation system in a field.
Houses have also been reportedly damaged by the storm in Newark. Although there have not been any confirmed tornadoes in New Castle County, the University of Delaware Police Department issued a tornado warning at around 6:40 p.m., instructing everyone on campus to move indoors and stay away from windows for safety.
The Newark Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Delaware Department of Transportation sent out a statewide traffic alert warning of dangerous driving conditions, including fallen trees, power lines and other debris on the roads. Some traffic lights are also off, and DelDOT said drivers should treat intersections without working signals as four way stops.
This is a developing story.
