Over 60 homes and other buildings were damaged or destroyed by a tornado that traveled 14 miles through Bridgeville, Greenwood and Ellendale Saturday evening, according to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.
The one death caused by the tornado, at a home that was destroyed on Tuckers Road in Greenwood, was the first tornado-related fatality in Delaware in 40 years, the agency said. The name of the victim has not yet been released.
The southern Delaware tornado was one of many produced by a line of severe storms that crossed the region Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. Prior to hitting the Mid-Atlantic, the storms impacted southern and Mid-West states and caused at least 32 deaths in total, according to the Associated Press.
The National Weather Service is still reviewing storm data from many areas of the country. An EF rating and wind speeds of the Delaware tornado will be issued in the coming days. An EF rating, or Enhanced Fujita Scale rating, is “based on estimated wind speeds and related damage,” according to the National Weather Service website.
In Delaware, storm damage was reported in New Castle, as well. Power outages peaked at 6,000 customers, according to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. Most of the outages were restored Sunday.
Storm aftermath:‘Everything’s gone’: Victims and witnesses recount Greenwood-area tornado
‘Outpouring of incredible support’
The effects of the tornado in Sussex were devastating, but ever since the storm hit, first responders and volunteers have been at damage sites en masse.
On Sunday, the Good Ole Boy Foundation and the Sussex Technical High School boys baseball team were two of many groups and businesses helping clean up. Others were handing out food and water to the volunteers.
“Sussex County is an incredibly resilient place, where neighbors help their neighbors in need in times of crises,” Sussex County Emergency Operations Director Joseph Thomas said in a news release. “We are so grateful for the spirit of volunteerism and outpouring of incredible support that is on full display right now.”
Gov. John Carney toured damaged areas Sunday.
“Today we learned again what we already know,” Carney said in a news release after the tour. “Delawareans look out for each other.”
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is working with the Division of Public Health, the American Red Cross and other organizations to assist victims.
Anyone whose property experienced damage due to Saturday’s severe weather should submit their information to the county at http://bit.ly/sussexdamage.
Those who need assistance or resources should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on Sussex County and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught
