Government agencies and utility companies are working to respond to the aftermath of a severe weather system that moved through Delaware on Saturday. The National Weather Service on Sunday afternoon confirmed it included a tornado.
One man died in a collapsed building along Tuckers Road southeast of Greenwood, Sussex County. The National Weather Service said his death was the first tornado-related fatality in Delaware since 1983. Delaware State Police are investigating the death, as well as helping displaced residents and monitoring for criminal activity.
Many areas are closed to traffic to allow for officials to conduct investigations and evaluate damage. Residents displaced from their homes during the storm are asked to be prepared to show identification as they return home.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency said a tornado cut a 14-mile path of destruction from Bridgeville to Ellendale. There are reports of damage throughout western Sussex County. Agency officials said preliminary assessments found at least two to three dozen homes impacted in Sussex County.
There are also reports of damage to houses in New Castle County and to utility company equipment. In addition to the tornado, the storm brought heavy rain, high winds and hail.
Here’s what we know
As emergency response teams assess what happened, here’s what we know so far:
The NWS in Mount Holly issued a severe weather threat early Saturday afternoon. It was predicted that the area would see two rounds of storms: a morning storm lasting until noon and an evening storm expected between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- At 5:30 The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. EDT
- At 6 p.m. the agency announced a tornado warning for Greenwood
According to the National Weather Service, their survey team was coordinating with Delaware emergency response teams before heading out to affected areas in Greenwood and Newark.
Reported power outages
Utility companies have received reports of power outages throughout the state.
Delmarva Power said that 21,000 customers in their multi-state service area were impacted by the storm, but currently, only 582 remain affected. Of those 582 customers, 161 are in Delaware. According to Delmarva Power’s outage map, multiple outages have been reported in New Castle County. Twelve outages impacting 284 customers in Hockessin, Brookside and along the MD/DE line in Newark are known.
There are reports of possible outages in Bridgeville, Westover Hills in Wilmington and fewer than five customers in Claymont.
Delaware Electric Cooperative reported that the storm caused extensive damage to their equipment and more than 4,000 of its members lost power. Their teams worked overnight had restored power to most. By early Sunday morning, the collective announced only 65 members were still without power.
Available storm recovery assistance
The totality of the actual damage caused by these storms is still being determined. For now, those impacted by the weather and in need of shelter, food, medical service or other assistance can the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services call center at 1-866-843-7212. The call center will be open Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The American Red Cross is also providing assistance.
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